How to Stain Rough Cut Lumber
A fresh coat of stain can transform any wooden surface from ordinary into something beautiful. This is true even of rough-cut lumber.
However, because rough lumber often contains areas with jagged or splintering areas, the application process can be a bit frustrating for do-it-yourselfers who don't know the proper technique. Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way toward making the process easier and contribute to an attractive finish that will remain durable over time.
Things You Will Need
- Pressure washer
- Blue painter's tape
- 80 to 120 grit sandpaper
- Heavy duty cloth drop cloths
- 5-gallon bucket
- 3- to 4-inch paintbrush
- Stain
Tip
Use mineral spirits to clean an oil-based paintbrush. Use water to clean a latex paintbrush.
Warning
Never use a latex paintbrush to apply oil-based stain or it will ruin. Likewise, never use an oil-based paintbrush to apply latex stain.
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Work outdoors if possible. Open windows to provide adequate ventilation if you are working indoors.
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Wash the rough-cut lumber thoroughly by spraying it with the pressure washer. Use a bucket of water and a coarse brush if you are working indoors. Allow the lumber to dry completely before proceeding.
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Smooth any rough or splintering portions of the lumber using 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. Sand with the grain, never against it, to avoid damaging the lumber.
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Place the lumber on heavy-duty drop cloths. Overlap two drop cloths to ensure that no spilled stain bleeds through.
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Pour the stain into the 5-gallon bucket, about one-third full.
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Apply the stain to the rough-cut lumber using the 3- to 4-inch paintbrush and working from left to right. Be especially careful to smooth any runs or drips. Use a latex paintbrush if you are applying latex stain. Use an oil-based paintbrush if you are applying oil-based stain.
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Continue applying stain with the paintbrush until the exposed surface of the lumber is completely covered. Allow the stain to soak in for about 10 minutes.
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Flip the lumber to the other side and repeat steps six and seven on the fresh, unstained portion of the lumber.
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Allow the stain to dry for two hours. Apply another coat if you desire a darker appearance.
The Drip Cap
- A fresh coat of stain can transform any wooden surface from ordinary into something beautiful.
- However, because rough lumber often contains areas with jagged or splintering areas, the application process can be a bit frustrating for do-it-yourselfers who don't know the proper technique.
- Overlap two drop cloths to ensure that no spilled stain bleeds through.
- Use a latex paintbrush if you are applying latex stain.
- Allow the stain to soak in for about 10 minutes.
Writer Bio
Ryan Lawrence is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado. He has been writing professionally since 1999. He has 10 years of experience as a professional painting contractor. Lawrence writes for High Class Blogs and Yodle. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations with a minor in history from the University of Oklahoma.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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