7 Best Stain for Pine in 2022

Wood stains are a creative way to indulge oneself amidst the world of natural colors. If you do not like the current state of wooden furniture in your home, there is always a way to change that.

Did you know that the mere buying of a tin of wood stain is not enough? There are different formulas to adhere to; for various ranges of objects. It also applies to the question — will the piece be an outdoor or an indoor decoration?

But what is the best stain for pine furnishings for your abode? We are going to discuss further regarding this special paint in the sections below.

7 Best Stain for Pine Reviews

Here are the seven items that have made the cut after an extensive process of research and exploration. Now you can happily choose among these without feeling the gravity of stress down the back.

1. General Finishes Oil Based Gel Stain, 1/2 pint, New Pine

The lustrous finish this product delivers is the cause of its gaining popularity.  

This one is a half pint-sized, new pine color that will make your furniture look good as new. Or, if you wish to change the shade, this color will definitely work like a charm on the first try.

So it is like the right answer to any DIY enthusiast who is not familiar with what to get. From the flexible wide selection to the smooth oil-based finish, the gel stain will make the pine appear magical.

It is even easy to apply, as well. All the user has to do is take a foam brush and apply the thing all over the surface as swiftly as possible. Do not worry if you do not have a foam brush for staining wood, a piece of cotton cloth will suffice equally.  

The stain contains a thick and heavy formulation so that the mixture does not penetrate the wood deeper. Many consumers have used it and loved the finishing effect they accomplished.

Moreover, it will last a long time! This means you can prolong the durability to the max with proper guidance and instruction. If you still have any doubts regarding the gel stain, now is the time to brush them off and grab one of these.

2. Ready Seal 510 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5-Gallon, Golden Pine

The Ready Seal 510 stain is an excellent way to change the entire exterior of your place. This five-gallon wood tint is the perfect solution for bigger projects.

Though we are discussing the golden pine color here, you can choose from eight various shades. Now you can give your bathroom or kitchen an overall transformation with a single container.

Remember that the color might vary a little in the first few days. It will, nevertheless, reach its true color if you give it about fourteen days. Then, the darkest form of the shade will eventually switch to the desired shade you initially selected.

And the best part is you can apply the stain at any temperature range. This is a huge advantage for people living in high humid or low temp regions. A simple brush tool will suffice to paint over the surface thoroughly.  

If you have a large patio/deck setup, then a roller might be a wise choice. Even the fences around the house will look solid and good after applying the Ready Seal stain. Thus, many experts refer to it as one of the best exterior wood stains out there.

Now many have wondered whether the container will keep the leftover product well-intact. Our answer is — absolutely. The user might face some gel-like hardened layer on the top, but one that anybody can fix with a mixer here or stirring there.

In short, this is a unit that will you will not regret buying. Moreover, such a large quantity will get you covered for more than several years!  

 3. Minwax 222104444 Wood Finish Penetrating Interior Wood Stain, 1/2 pint, Ipswich Pine

The name Minwax is a familiar name amongst experienced carpenters or DIY-ers. Thanks to the fantastic performance the product concocts, one simply cannot get enough of it.

Most consumers love the unit for its high penetration capability that is essential in sealing the wood pores. Hence, not only do you get a well-protected surface but you also acquire an aesthetically rich wood tone color.

Most importantly, it comes in twenty-eight inspiring colors! Your interior style will not be the same old, dull to the eyes anymore. Such professional results in perfecting the true color will encourage you to go for more.

Whether it is the plain cabinet, coffee table, or a shelf, anything wooden you own will have a new look. Plus, the coating lasts for years. While some stains cause scratches while wiping it on the wood, this will impose no such threat – making it one of the best interior wood stains out there.

Therefore, your indoor furniture, hardwood floors remain safe and smooth with a simple Minwax wood stain. It comes in a half-pint tin container that you can seal for future use.

Now, you must keep in mind that the piece you plan to work on must be pre-conditioned. Finally, the finishing should have a top coating six hours after the stain application.

4. Rust-Oleum Varathane 211714H Premium Wood Stain, Quart, Ipswich Pine, 32 Fl Oz

This item is yet another Ipswich pine-shaded wood stain that you are going to love for years to come. Nobody will have a single complaint relating to the product as it is one of the bests.

The container offers two pints of superior oil-based stain formula that takes only a couple of hours to dry. So, why should it not deserve a spot in our comprehensive list?

Besides, the stain infiltrates into the fibers for a premium and brighter look. That is why many consumers have selected the Rust-Oleum wood stain for their indoor projects.

If you can finish a task quickly and effectively, it is all the more reason to opt for it. May that be the doors, cabinets, floors, furniture, and so on; the single purchase will cover up to 150 sq. ft.

The only drawback we have found is the slight pigment alteration. Some have claimed that the Ipswich pine color seems to be darker than the original shade.

Hence, despite the supreme wood grain enhancement, the product might deliver a different result after a few days of drying.

5. Varathane 262012 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Quart, Ipswich Pine

This wood stain, once again, by Varathane has various modern-day shades to look forward to. Just a simple brush or a cotton rag will do the magic of a marvelous transformation within hours.

If you get this quart-sized container, you can cover up to 275 sq. ft. effortlessly. Here is the best pick for those who wish to bring about the modern but classy vibe into the house.

Why waste money on new furniture when you can restore it to your imagination? The only thing to remember is to shake or stain the contents before use. Plus, using a lint-free cloth is a bonus to avoid scratches, overlaps.

Thanks to the fast-drying properties, you can now apply this product with absolute care. The sanding before staining is a rudimentary step here. Furthermore, we advise you to use a topcoat for durability and protection.

See, it is very straightforward to implement since the drying duration is shorter than other wood stain products. Though the item offers only ten colors, they are enough to highlight the interior style soothingly.

So if you need to save some plain-looking pine furniture, you can always count on this product. From the shabby chic look to the classic themed style, anything is possible.

This is why the users have praised highly of this wood stain that hardly requires a second coating!

6. Minwax 61310444 PolyShades - Stain & Polyurethane in 1 Step, quart, Honey Pine, Satin

Here is the renowned Minwax wood stain, which comes with satin and polyurethane. In short, the repeated coating can be lessened by using this unit.

Any wooden structure you have your eyes on will have the most beautiful honey pine color one has ever seen. Of course, there are some rules to follow for attaining a rich look.

Do not forget to sand the surface before applying a thin coat. The user will not require any wiping of the layer. It is one less job for a busy DIY-er. However, it is advisable to smear two more coats after at least six hours of interval.

This ensures flawless color performance without compromising the shade. We admit that it takes a while to let dry, but the aftermath will be worth every wait!

Furthermore, the user can apply on an existing polyurethane finish too. So, you are getting more flexibility for changing the finishing color.

Even maintaining after the completion of a project is minimal. Easy cleaning with little spirits is sufficient during spillage. All in all, you will only receive the green light from our corner, a great addition for a DIY designer.

It has a range of shades in gloss or satin themes for you to choose from. All you have to is figure out what shade to decorate your house with!

7. Old Masters 24991 80704 Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Dark Walnut

Our final product is for the people who adore dark-themed pine furniture sets at home. It has such wonderful quality that many consider it to be the perfect make-over for all pine fittings.

Since it has gel-based pigmentations, you will not have to worry about making a mess when working. But never use this stain unless the surface is well cleaned and sanded.

This is a secret tip for every beginner out there. This will save a whole lot of hassles during staining. It does not matter where you apply the product, the color you choose will be true to its originality.

The one-quart amount of stains is practically sufficient to cover wide ranges of area. Although it does not say anywhere, we recommend the usage of a sealer for outdoor woods(for the best results) once the stain dries.

Overall, there will be no disappointment on your part, so long you follow the right steps. It is very difficult to acquire wood stains that work this amazingly. But you should know the correct tone for the enriched result.

Sometimes you might require coating the surface twice to achieve the right hue. In any case, it is a great budget saving product for multiple varieties of pine furniture.

If you are really into natural dark wood color furnishing, what better way to accomplish it than this gel stain?

Things to Consider Before Buying

You should be aware of the fact that wood stains have multiple varieties. They do not settle the same way in all wood types. So you ought to learn the differences between these ranges to gain maximum output.

Understanding the Formulas 

There are four properties of formulas that the user must know about. These are the most common stain types available in the market.

• Water-Base

It has a combination of water and pigment, allowing the stain to dry faster. A water-based stain is better for interior projects.

However, the water content tends to raise the grain more than other bases. So the surface will require good sanding before the final sealing. You can use a brush or a spray to apply this type of stain easily.

• Oil-Base

This kind of stains is more frequently used due to the oil solution. They are water repellent to a degree that makes them useful for kitchen projects. You must use this kind of stain in a ventilated area as it creates toxic fumes.

These stains will take time to dry, about a day or two. They are great for both indoor and outdoor jobs. Keep in mind though high humidity could cause blotching on the surface.

The lower temperature, on the contrary, makes it almost unworkable.

• Gel-Base

It is also an oil-based property but less messy. Unlike the other bases, this will not run down, drip, or splatter in any way.

The stain has a smooth and thick consistency that is perfect for most wood types. It is better to apply content with a brush instead of a spray. Also, do not forget to work with it in a well-ventilated area.

• Varnish

This is a two-in-one combination of oil composite wood stain and sealer. It is the kind of formula many rely on for the external surface of the projects. You can apply it to the interior too.

It contains pigments, resins, solvents, and oil. Thus, the product does not just dye the wood but also even and create a hard-coated surface. Although the user can use both brush and spray, brushing delivers a smoother finish.  

Always remember to apply the thing as uniformly as possible to avoid color disagreements and blotchiness.

Opacity 

The user must check for the opacity level for exterior stain in order to obtain the right color.

A Toner level has very little amount of pigment. If you want the natural wood grain to be visible, then this opacity level might just work for you.

The Semi-transparent level, as the name suggests, hides the wood grain fairly enough. However, the color it contains is rich and vibrant than the toner.

We would recommend a semi-opaque level if you want to opt for a level where the stain delivers deep color and almost hides the grains. This is why many people also refer to this type by calling it the semi-opaque deck stain. Yes, the best deck stain for weathered wood has a higher chance of containing a semi-transparent formula.

Lastly, an opaque wood stain will obscure the wood grains completely. It works more like paints of the desired color on the surface.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does pine wood stain well?

Woods like pine, birch, or cherry are extremely difficult to stain. Nevertheless, with the correct methods and techniques, one can attain that perfect wood color; you just have to be patient.

2. Can you stain the wood without the conditioner?

Yes, it will bring out the original color of the product. It also has some drawbacks. While the conditioner helps the stain to settle evenly, without it, the surface will be blotchier. It might not be desirable to many.

But the use of conditioners could also mean lighter stain color. It depends on your preference.    

3. Is it possible to stain over an already stained wood? 

Sure, it is just like dying the hair over a different color. If the previous stain is lighter, then you can reapply a different shade for a darker look. You can even mix two different shades to custom make a unique color as well.

4. How many coats of stain do I need for pine? 

The user will get the best result after applying two coats. In fact, it is necessary to apply twice since pine wood is pretty adamant against any paint or stain.

5. Do I have to remove the old stain before staining again?

It would be wise to do so if the initial stain is too old and peeling. This is specifically important for decks. The step can play a significant role in killing molds and mildews. Only use the best wood stain remover solutions for the best results.

Final Words

Now that you have a fair idea about how to obtain the best stain for pine, are you ready for some DIY projects? Who would not love to achieve that enriched appearance of the wood anyway?

Whether it is to add depth, bring out the natural grain, or change the shade, let us hope our guide was most helpful in your case. Enjoy shopping!