Difference between oil and water base stain?

Answer 1

Stains tend to be semi-transparent, so get rid of as much of the original water based stain as you can. Remember, the more work you do in the preparation stages, the better the finished result will be.

Answer 2

They're different materials. The color in waterstain is a dye, not a pigment (pigments are particles, dye is a fluid). Waterstain has some protecting component too, but it all goes into the wood. Oil based stain lies on top of it.

Waterstain does a little about protection, but it's best use is for coloring. The waterstain goes deep into the wood. It gives the best and most 'realistic' wood coloring. Oil based color staining tends to lie on top of it, showing patches of color that don't match to the woodstructure. In using oil based stain, getting a good-looking result is done by applying lots of very thin layers.

You can use an oil-based or polyurethane laquer after waterstaining, when the wood is dry (sand it first). Then you'll have great coloring, and great protection too.

Answer 3

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based: Like paints, stains are available in oil-based and water-based formulas. Water-based stains offer better adhesion to surfaces that have been previously painted or stained with oil-based stain. Water-based stains are also recommended for woods that have a natural resistance to rotting, such as cedar, redwood and cypress. Oil-based stains are generally recommended for decks and other areas exposed to particularly harsh conditions. There are some newer latex/oil stains that offer benefits of both oil- and water-based stains.

• Water-based stains are breathable, so they won't trap moisture
• Oil-based stains offer better penetration and durability
• Some manufacturers offer hybrid stains Oil-based(alkyd)
  • Better penetration
  • Excellent durability
  • Longer drying time allows more time to achieve an even finish
  • Special deck stains deliver maximum durability for harsh conditions
  Water-based(latex; acrylic)
  • Better color retention
  • Less odor
  • Breathable
  • Nonflammable
  • Soap and water cleanup
  • Quicker drying

Answer 4

Oil based stains tend to penetrate deeper into the surface that is being stained while the water based stains sit on top of the surface. Water based stains hold up to UV better than oil based stains, which protects the surface longer, require less frequent reapplication.

Answer 5

Oil based stain generally penetrates the wood a little deeper