How to Stain Wood Trim

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: December 9, 2022

There is no trim more beautiful than stained wood. Stained wood trim adds a level of elegant beauty to your home. There are some things to consider before you decide to stain trim. It can be time consuming and it takes a level of technique to get the color just right so that it comes out even all the way around. With the right information, you can learn how to stain wood trim correctly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Prepare the Wood

1
Fill in any nail holes or imperfections in the wood with wood filler. You will want to use a tinted filler the same color of the stain you will use. Scrape excess filler off the wood with a putty knife. Allow to dry thoroughly according to the package instructions.
2
Sand the patched areas with 220-grit sandpaper until smooth. If necessary, sand the rest of the wood, as well, using 100 to 120 grit for rough areas and a fine 220 grit to make the wood smooth.

Advertisement
3
Wipe down the trim with a tack cloth to remove the sawdust completely. Alternatively, you can use a clean cloth and denatured alcohol.
- A cheese cloth also works well for this.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Stain the Wood

1
Shake the stain can vigorously to blend it thoroughly.
2
Put rubber gloves on to protect your hands from the stain and place drop cloths on the floor to protect it from drips.
3
Apply the stain using a clean cloth or a stain brush. You can also use a foam brush. Take care to make sure you are applying the stain evenly.
4
Allow the stain to dry for a short time. The longer it sits, the darker the color will be. Some manufacturers recommend allowing the stain to dry for 5 to 15 minutes.
5
Wipe the stain off using a clean cloth. Go against the grain, working the stain into the wood, and then wipe the wood again along the grain to make the color even. Make sure you don't remove too much stain.
6
Add another coat if the color isn't dark enough. Repeat the process as many times as needed to achieve the desired tone.
7
Let the stain dry as long as needed.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Finish the Wood

1
Stir the finish coat gently with a stir stick.
2
Apply a light coat of varnish or polyurethane in the sheen of your choice. You can pick satin or gloss. Use a stain brush, such as a pure china bristle. Brush the varnish along the grain of the wood.
3
Allow the varnish to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying a second coat. Most manufacturers recommend 2 coats for a stronger, more durable finish.
4
Cleanup. Use paint thinner to clean your brushes when using solvent based stains and finishes. Use soap and water to clean your brushes when using water based stains.

Warnings

Be careful that you do not sand the trim unevenly. Uneven wood textures will make the stain an uneven color.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
Never shake the finish coat before using it. Shaking it will leave bubbles in the finish.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0