So you have finally found that wooden pallet that you wanted and have even checked to see if it will be safe for your project and now you are ready to start. The very first step is going to be taking the pallet apart, so be sure to check out our How to Dismantle A Wooden Pallet article. If you are wanting to give your pallet a finishing touch, then you need to go through the staining process. Staining and finishing the pallet the right way can do a lot of things for the repurposed pallet project, so below are some wood staining tips that can help you if you are a beginner. You may also learn what type of wood the pallet is made out of. What about if you already know all that and are ready to add a splash of color into your project? We are here to help.
Types of stains:
Shallow Penetrating stains: These are normally alkyd dispersion, oil based, or water emulsion stains that will go up to 4 layers deep and is water repellent. A quality brand will be long-life and is even when it is applied right.
Surface stains: This type of stain is normally fast drying and water based. They won’t go deeper than the first layer of wood. This is best for use on wood sided homes,railings, spindles, frames and wood trims.
PureColor stains: This is a water based stain that has the same benefits of shallow stains, but it is easy to clean up and there aren’t any toxic smells or chemicals. It has 24 colors.
Deep penetrating stains: This type of stain is oil based and will go around ½ inch deep into the wood. This stain doesn’t flake like others and there isn’t a surface fill that is made during or after it is applied. But, it often leaves an oily residue.
Choosing the right stain:
Picking the right stain for your project will be important if you are wanting the finished project to have that wow effect. Picking a stain isn’t just about picking colors that you like from a color chart. A light brown stain could look pink if it is used on redwood. Ensure that you have tested the stain on a sample pallet or in an area that can be seen.
Here are some natural colors that can be found:
- Golden pine
- Redwood
- Natural cedar
- Mahogany
- Pecan
- Dark walnut
- Light oak
Tips for Beginners Other Pallet Projects
You will have to make sure that the stain you pick will work with the wood and other products. A stain that works well with wood preservatives, top finish,and sealants will allow for better bonding and allow the project to be together for years.
Some may not like the warm honey colors of pallets, but most prefer grays, soft whites, etc.
For that type of effect, many will use Amy Howard at Home Liming Wax. Otherwise one step paint is good.
Preparation and process:
Prepare the Pallet
Preparing the pallet before you stain it will help to make sure that the right application is done and that it becomes a long lasting stain. Keep this in mind while you are prepping the pallet for staining. If you plan to stain the pallet dark to contrast with light colors, you need to sand it first. Sand along the grain so that it doesn’t scratch the surface. Use tack clothes to remove wood dust as you sand. If the dust gets into the pores, it could cause the stain to look uneven. You should apply a wood conditioner to help the stain become absorbed evenly. Ensure that the wood has completely dried before you stain it. Applying the stain on a humid pallet could cause it to flake. So, do not stain on any humid days.
While Staining
Be sure to use a light first coat, so that it doesn’t end up heavily stained. If the stain is too light, you could apply another coat.
The stain that has set too long may not be able to be applied because it becomes uneven and quite handy.
Finish with a Top Coat
A wood stain can give a project a deep, rich color and also highlight the wood grain. But, a stain cannot give plenty of protection to the project. Once you get the right stain, apply a top coat to protect the wood from any stains, water damage, and scratches.
There are different finishing options that you can pick from and depending on what you select; you could get different results. Polyurethane is the most common top coat because of the durability.
Wrapping it up:
Wood pallets have been used to repurpose different objects and is famous with DIY adventurers. Working with this type of wood, you need to have special skills, so if you are first starting out, you need to know the basics before you start.
There is a lot of stuff that includes polishing, cutting, and sanding as well as much more. Although it may seem easy to stain and finish the project, there are a lot of things to consider before you purchase stain and begin trying to stain the wood.
Phoenix Pallet Supplier
If you are looking for new or used pallets for your next project AAA Pallet & Lumber Co., has a wide selection of sizes and types of pallets that are great for your pallet projects. Give us a call or stop by to pick out the pallets you need for your furniture, craft, or whatever purpose you have for buying pallets. Call us at 602-278-1450 for more information.
