Different Types of Stains

[Submarinerblue]

What are the differences between oil based and alcohol based stains (beyond the obvious in their names) and , more importantly, why would you use one rather than the other? I’ve always used tung or linseed oil stains on my models, but I recently heard about alcohol based stains. Are there any advantages that alcohol stains offer?

 

[Jimsky]

What are the differences between oil based and alcohol based stains (beyond the obvious in their names) and , more importantly, why would you use one rather than the other? I’ve always used tung or linseed oil stains on my models, but I recently heard about alcohol based stains. Are there any advantages that alcohol stains offer

The primary difference between oil-based and alcohol-based stains is their drying time, with oil-based stains drying much slower due to the oil solvent, while alcohol-based stains dry very quickly because of the rapid evaporation of alcohol; this also leads to oil-based stains penetrating deeper into the wood and providing a richer color, while alcohol-based stains can sometimes leave a more superficial color and may require more precise application to avoid uneven results.

Key points to consider:

• Drying time:
  Oil-based stains dry significantly slower than alcohol-based stains, allowing more time to manipulate the stain and achieve a more even finish, but also require longer drying periods before applying further coats or finishes.
  
  
• Penetration:
  Oil-based stains tend to penetrate deeper into the wood grain, leading to a richer color and more durable finish.
  
  
• Application:
  Alcohol-based stains require more precision due to their quick drying time, making it easier to create visible streaks or unevenness if not applied carefully.
  
  
• Odor:
  Alcohol-based stains often have a strong, immediate odor that dissipates quickly, while oil-based stains may have a milder but longer-lasting odor.
  
  
• Clean-up:
  Oil-based stains typically require mineral spirits for clean-up, whereas alcohol-based stains can be cleaned with denatured alcohol or a similar solvent.

When to use each type:

• Oil-based stains:
  Best for projects where deep color penetration and a durable finish are desired, such as on exterior wood or when working with dense wood types.
  
  
• Alcohol-based stains:
  Suitable for projects where fast drying time is needed, precise color control is important, or when highlighting the wood grain is desired.

 

[AndyA]

There are also water-based stains. I would guess that these are similar to alcohol-based since most alcohol products use alcohol diluted with water. Water and low-molecular weight alcohols are miscible, that is they mix completely at any concentration. You would expect that the higher the concentration of alcohol, the faster the drying time. Fair winds!

 

[Roger Pellett]

Oil based stains are pigments SUSPENDED in linseed or other oil. Alcohol based stains are really wood dyes as the color is DISSOLVED in the alcohol. Sorry, but years of woodworking experience causes me to disagree with AI! The oil based stains will penetrate only to the extent that the relatively thick oil will penetrate the wood. In many cases I have applied stain to a piece of only to find later when I wipe off the excess that it’s completely gone. They are really little more than a translucent paint.

The alcohol based dyes on the other hand are so thin that they penetrate almost immediately. IMHO, they are much more effective for use on hard to stain woods.

Roger

 

[suspend6]

My experience with oil-based stain is that it should not be applied where PVA glue is to be used. It seemed to reduce the ability for the glue to penetrate and bond.