How to Dilute Wood Stain for Controlled Colour Application

The Best Way to Dilute Water Based & Oil Based Wood Stains

When staining wooden furniture, it's normal to feel unsure, and a little nervous about how rich, dark, or vibrant the colour might turn out once it’s applied. How dark or intense the wood stain colour result is, can depend upon how thickly you apply it, how long you leave it on for, and what type of wood you apply it to.

If you apply the first coat of wood stain and it turns out much darker than you thought it would, then you have the choice between compromising on the shade of the stain you’d hoped for, and just continuing to apply it, or removing it and having to start afresh with a different stain. However, if you’re pretty sure you have found a stain that you like, but you want to control how intensely it goes on, then read on to learn how to dilute wood stain for controlled colour application.

We'll explore the best way to dilute water based and oil based wood stains as this way you can have more control over the colour outcome, as you can build up the layers using multiple coats, until you reach the intensity of colour that you desire.

NOTE: When staining wood with traditional water-based stain or oil-based stains, the wood first needs to be stripped of it's existing topcoat/varnish and be prepared for accepting new stain. Read here to find out the different methods for stripping wood, and which method is best for your project.

Which Type of Wood Stains Can be Diluted

Are you wondering which type of wood stains can be diluted? Well, the most common stains to use are Traditional Oil Based Stains, Water Based Stains, and Gel Stains. Out of these three I have only ever diluted Traditional Oil Based Stain and Water Based Stain.

Most (but not all) Gel stains are oil based, so in theory you’d think it would be possible to thin it out, since Traditional Oil Based Stains can be thinned out. However the gel consistency is purposefully chemically created so that the stain sits on top of the wood, and trying to thin it with a chemical solvent can disrupt the viscosity of the gel, which may mess up your stain job. So in this blog post, I’ll explain how to dilute and thin out ‘Water Based Stains’ and ‘Traditional Oil Based Stains’.

How to Dilute and Thin-Out Water Based Stain.

Diluting Water Based Stain is super easy! As the base of the stain is water, you can thin the stain out by adding water. The trick is to mix a little water into some stain in a separate container first, bit by bit, until you get the consistency and colour intensity that you think will work. Then, if possible, try and apply a little of your diluted stain on a hidden area of the wood you want to stain, to see if you’ve reached the depth of colour you are looking for (it’s even better if you do this on a spare piece of the same wood, but that might not be an option for you!).

Make sure you note down the ratios of water to stain that you mixed, so that you can repeat the exact same steps for diluting your subsequent coats. That way you’ll achieve a uniform stain colour throughout your application.

Remember to stir your diluted stain before applying it, and also stir regularly throughout the application process.

My favourite way to apply water based stain, especially to a larger, flat surface is with a staining pad, and I use folded lint-free rags or small brushes for harder to reach areas.

When building up your stain colour, be sure to wipe away excess stain and allow the recommended amount of drying time between coats. Check your brand for their specific recommendations.

How to Dilute and Thin-Out Traditional Oil Based Stain.

You must never try to dilute an oil based stain with water. As the old adage goes; water and oil don’t mix. To dilute and thin-out oil based stain you need to cut the stain with Mineral Spirits. The mixing process is easy…just measure some of your oil based stain and add it into a container eg; a plastic tub, then mix in mineral spirits little by little until your stain is the colour intensity that you want. Again, be sure to note down the exact ratios of stain to mineral spirits that you used, so that any subsequent batches that you mix-up will be the exact same colour intensity as the first batch.

Remember to work in a well ventilated area and wear a chemical respirator mask.

When working with oil based stains and mineral spirits, always remember that they contain a higher level of VOCs, meaning they’re a potential health-hazard unless you protect yourself.

Disposable chemical respirator masks are great for one-off usage, or, if you plan on refurbishing more furniture in the future, you can purchase a reusable chemical respirator mask and cartridges. Chemical resistant gloves are a good idea too, especially if you are using a staining pad or lint-free rags to apply your stain.

Again, if possible, test on a spare piece of the same wood, or in a hidden area of your piece before you apply it to a large area, just to be sure you are happy with the depth of colour. Be sure to use a stirring stick to stir your diluted stain well before applying it, and stir regularly throughout the application process. Remember to wipe excess stain off and leave sufficient drying time in between applying coats of stain. Check the brand of stain you purchased for their own instructions.

And there you have it! Feel more in confident and in control of your colour application! Stain until your heart's content!!

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