Water-Based Wood Stain

All wood projects require preparation sanding. If you skip this critical step, your finish may fail.

Raw Wood

See our video: How To Prep Sand New Wood

1. Sand with 120-grit sandpaper, followed by 150 or 220-grit.
2. Remove dust.

Sealed Surface

See our video: How to Prepare Existing Finishes

1. Scuff clean with a non-woven abrasive pad & 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol & water.
2. Dry 1-2 hours.
3. Sand lightly with 220-320-grit sanding sponge.
4. Remove dust.

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Download 2024 Water Based Stain Brochure Here

General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain Application Steps 

1. Watch product overview video here.
2. Watch the application video here.
3. Work in a well-ventilated area.
4. Stir stain to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.
5. Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume. 
6. Increase open time, if needed, with up to 5% General Finishes Extender if allowed by local regulations. GF Extender will improve flow and leveling and increase open time, which is helpful in dry climates. California Residents: Adding more than 2% of GF Extender will make the products non-compliant per SCAQMD Regulations. GF assumes no liability for the improper use of these products.    
7. An initial coat of General Finishes Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural can improve color uniformity over difficult-to-stain wood species such as pine. However, it will limit color absorption, so a darker stain may be required to get the depth of color you want. NOTES on softwoods such as Pine, Pawlonia, or Poplar, the use of Pre-Stain Conditioner will reduce blotchiness but not remove it entirely.
8. Test your complete finishing process beforehand. Stain color can be affected by variances in wood, room lighting, and deepened with the application of topcoat.  
9. Surface preparation is essential. See "Step 1: Preparation for Water Based Wood Stain."
10. Divide your project into manageable sections: top, side, drawer, door, table seam.

8. Apply product: 

Hand-Application over Raw Wood:

• Apply a LIBERAL amount of stain to ensure easy workability using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator or microfiber roller. Work quickly. For large surfaces use a larger applicator such as the pad applicator.
  If not enough stain is used, the surface may dry too quickly, causing an uneven appearance.
  On large projects, leave a wet edge between sections to prevent lap lines until you can wipe all the excess off.
• Stain one complete section at a time.
• Wipe off the excess evenly with the grain using absorbant terry cloth or an absorbent paper towel. Check for missed spots and lap marks before moving to the next section. Do NOT use cotton t-shirts to wipe away stain because they will "push" the stain around and not absorb it.
• Pull excess stain out of corners and details with a synthetic bristle brush.
• Immediately correct lap marks by rewetting the entire working area with stain and wiping off the excess.
• One coat is recommended. If needed, another coat will make the color darker but do not exceed two coats as that will create too much build of a low solids finish. Stains are designed to provide color but are not durable on their own.
• Let the stain dry 2+ hours in ideal conditions when using a WATER-BASED topcoat: 50% humidity, 70°F/20°C before adding a second coat (optional) and before adding topcoat. Be sure to allow adequate dry time. If in doubt, wait longer. When using with an OIL-BASED topcoat, allow 24 hours dry time.
  Increase dry time if: 
  • Humidity is over 80%
  • More than 2 coats are applied (not recommended)
  • Thick coats are applied
  • increase to 24 hours if applying an oil-based topcoat over the water-based stain.
  • To accelerate dry time in humid conditions, add General Finishes Accelerator before applying and work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness. 

Spray Application over Raw Wood: 

• Safety: Wear a full filter respirator (NIOSH/MSHA-approved) and work in a ventilated space.
• Spray wet films at 3-5-mil thickness. HVLP: 1.1mm-1.3mm spray tip, medium air cap. Verify tip sizes with your equipment supplier. See our spray tip size recommendations here.
  Keep your gun at a 90* angle, 6-8" from the surface. On large, flat areas, use wet, even patterns 6-8" wide.
  For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" wide to reduce overspray. 
  Overlap each pass 25-50% for even coverage. Read here for more information on spraying techniques.
• Apply section by section. Spray liberally to a complete section and wipe off the excess evenly with the grain using a quality paper towel or shop towel. Check for missed spots and lap marks before moving to the next section. Do NOT use cotton t-shirts to wipe away stain because they will "push" the stain around and not absorb it.
• Spray a LIBERAL amount of stain to ensure easy workability. If not enough stain is used, the surface may dry too quickly, causing an uneven appearance. On large projects, leave a wet edge between sections to prevent lap lines during application.
• Pull excess stain out of corners and details with a bristle brush.
• Immediately correct lap marks by rewetting the entire working area with stain and wiping off the excess.
• Let the stain dry 2+ hours in ideal conditions: 50-70% humidity, 70°F/20°C before adding a second coat (optional) and before adding topcoat. Be sure to allow adequate dry time. If in doubt, wait longer. Increase dry time if: 
  • Humidity is over 80%
  • 3+ coats are applied (not recommended)
  • Thick coats are applied
  • To accelerate dry time in humid conditions, add General Finishes Accelerator before applying and work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness. 

Hand-Application over Existing Finish:
See our video: How to Update Existing Finishes with Water Based Wood Stain

• Stir contents well.
• Prepare surface well. See Existing Finish Prep instructions in "Step 1: Preparation for Water Based Wood Stain."
• Apply stain with a foam brush or staining pad. Feather out uneven areas and pull excess stain from corners using a bristle brush. Discharge accumulated stain from the brush onto a dry paper towel as you work. We recommend using a dry brush technique over an existing finish as outlined in this video: How to Update Existing Finishes with Water Based Wood Stain., but even with this technique, do not apply more than 3 coats. Painting on the stain will create too much film build of a low solids finish. Stains are designed to provide color but if applied too heavily, create an unstable surface even when dry and topocated.
• Let the stain dry 2+ hours before GF water-based topcoat in ideal conditions: 50-70% humidity, 70*F/20*C before applying a second coat (optional) and before applying topcoat. Be sure to allow adequate dry time. If in doubt, wait longer.
  Increase dry time if: 
  • Humidity is over 80%
  • More than 3 coats are applied (not recommended)
  • Thick coats are applied
  • Applying over products from other brands
  • Layering General Finishes water- and oil-based products:
    • Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hr before applying water-based products
    • Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hr before applying oil-based products
  • To accelerate dry time in humid conditions, add General Finishes Accelerator before applying and work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness.

1. Topcoat is required. Finish with 2-3 coats of General Finishes topcoat. Applying more coats will not improve the results. You can remove any grain raise after applying the first coat of topcoat. Watch this video for more information on grain raise. See "Step 3: Topcoat Over Water-Based Stain."

Always seal General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain, General Finishes Dye Stain and General Finishes Enduro Ready-To-Match (RTM) Water Based Wood Stain with 3 coats of topcoat. More coats will not improve durability.

Grain Raise

After the first coat of topcoat has dried, you can knock down grain raise by lightly sanding with a 220 sanding pad. Watch Grain Raise video here.

Recommended Water-Based Topcoats
General Finishes High Performance can be applied by hand or sprayed; General Finishes Enduro Clear Poly is spray-only. Both topcoats dry clear and are great for high-use surfaces, such as kitchen cabinets and tabletops. General Finishes Flat Out Flat is our flattest topcoat, suitable for projects that do not receive major wear.

Recommended Oil-Based Topcoats
When sealing with General Finishes oil-based topcoats, General Finishes Arm-R-Seal and General Finishes Gel Topcoat, let water-based stain dry a minimum of 24 hours first. Oil-based topcoats amber increasingly over time.

Color Adjustments

1. Add up to 50% Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural to Water Based Wood Stain to lighten the color.
2. Apply a second coat to deepen the color but no more than 2 coats.
    

Wood Stain as a Glaze

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain: Your choice of color
• General Finishes High Performance Topcoat

SAMPLE MIX:

Water Based Wood Stain + 10% High Performance Topcoat 

**mixture to be used at point of use only. Do not store. 

Aged/Varnish Glaze

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain: Your choice of color
• General Finishes High Performance Topcoat

SAMPLE MIX:

Water Based Wood Stain  + High Performance Topcoat 50:50 ratio

**mixture to be used at point of use only. Do not store. 

Custom Colors

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain: Your choice of color
• General Finishes Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural

SAMPLE MIXES:

• Create additional colors by mixing Water Based Wood Stains and Dye Stains.
• Lighten Water Based Wood Stains by diluting with General Finishes Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural

Toning

• Water-Based Wood Stains Can be used for toning. Mix no more than 5%-10% stain to topcoat. Spraying lays down a more even coat, so slightly more stain can be used than when brushing. Toning mixture should be used at point of use only. Do not store for extended period of time. 

Application tools and materials containing water-based products can be cleaned with soap and water or General Finishes Brush & Gun Cleaner immediately after use.

Product Spills

Spills may be able to be removed from fabric and carpet if cleaned immediately with soap and water.

Disposal

Discard unused product and waste in an environmentally safe manner; check with local fire and health regulation. 

Life of Product

General Finishes products do not last forever, even when unopened. They are best used within 1 year. The life of the product may be extended with proper can closure and storage conditions. (see Storage Tips below).

Water-based products can last 3-5 years if the can is unopened, in good condition and stored in correct temperatures.

Product that is 3 years old will not look like product that is 6 months to 1 year old. You will see more stratification or separation as the product ages. Settling is natural. Always stir thoroughly before using.

Foul Smell

If your product has a foul smell, it is contaminated and no longer in useable condition.

Clumps & Settling

Gravity can cause some solids to settle on the bottom of the can and slight separation on the top. This is normal. If working with older product stir with a paint mixing attachment on a drill.

If the solids dissolve and clumps smooth out after mixing from the bottom, the product is in good condition for use.

Inability to reincorporate large, chunky lumps after stirring for several minutes is an indication that the product has frozen and can no longer be used.

Storage Tips

See video tutorial: Tips on Storing Leftover Finishes
Water-based finishes crystalize and form a skin due to evaporation when the air-tight seal on a can is broken at first use. The following best practices will increase the life of your product:

1. Pry open sealed lids with a paint can opener by hooking under the lid's rolled edge. The use of a screwdriver can disfigure the rim and lid, impairing a complete seal. 
2. Keep lid closed while working. Pour what you will use into a bowl, paper cup, or plate, and close can lid as you work.
3. Clean the chime of the can thoroughly with a paper towel before closing to create a complete seal. Product falling into the chime can be minimized by using a pouring lid, such as Fitsall. Avoid wiping used brushes on the lid.
4. Pound the lid in place using a rubber mallet to avoid distorting the chime or lid. Dents in the lid from direct contact with a hammer can impair a complete seal. Alternatively, place a flat piece of wood over can lid and firmly pound shut.
5. Store in moderate temperatures. Avoid temperatures below 50°F/10°C or above 100°F/26°C. Keep from freezing. Frozen and heat-damaged product cannot be revitalized. Temperature-controlled spaces, such as a basement, are ideal for storage. Do not store product in an attic, garage, in direct sunlight, or next to something warm like a water heater or furnace.
6. Store can upside down to create a liquid seal, minimize evaporation and reduce the chance of crystallization. Decant remaining product from the can before stirring. 
7. Decant leftovers to a smaller container when the finish is almost used up. Alternative storage containers for water-based products are plastic FIFO bottles or glass bottles. Do not fill metal-lidded containers completely to prevent them from rusting.

The following water-based product mixtures can be stored:

1. Product thinned with up to 15% General Finishes Extender or General Finishes Accelerator can be stored, with the exception of thinned General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain.
2. Mixtures involving colors & sheens within the same product line, such as:
   • High Performance Satin + High Performance Gloss
   • Snow White Milk Paint + Coastal Blue Milk Paint
   • Amber Dye Stain + Merlot Dye Stain

The following product mixtures should NOT be stored:

• Any water based product with thinned tap water; water often contains bacteria that will adversely affect stored paint.
• Topcoat + Stain or Paint
• Milk Paint + Chalk Style Paint
• Water Based Wood Stain + Dye Stain

Water Based Wood Stain Warnings and Warranties


Compatibility 
Do not use water-based products with Linseed Oils or Danish Oils.


Limited Warranty
General Finishes products must be tested to your complete satisfaction before using. General Finishes will not be responsible for color satisfaction, misapplication, nor compatibility with other manufacturer's products. General Finishes will be responsible only for the cost of our products, and not for costs such as labor, damage or project replacement.


Contamination and Compatibility
Our finishes are engineered as a system and are compatible with each other. General Finishes cannot guarantee an ideal refinish when applying our products on top of or combined with another company's products or over surfaces that have been in contact with waxes, polishes or sprays containing contaminants such as silicone. Test for adherence and aesthetics before beginning.


FIRST AID: Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur due to the following. EYE CONTACT: Remove any contact lenses. Flush eyes with water for 20+ minutes while lifting upper and lower eyelids. SKIN CONTACT: Wash thoroughly after handling. INHALATION: Move to fresh air and loosen clothing. If not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial respiration or oxygen by trained personnel. INGESTION: Call physician immediately. Wash out mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.



Prop 65 WARNING:

• Antique Brown, Antique Oak, Black, Black Cherry, Brown Mahogany, Cabernet, Espresso, Hickory, Onyx, Pecan, Provincial, Sedona, Tobacco, Walnut:
  WARNING: This product can expose you to Ethylene oxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including Hydrazine, 1,4-Dioxane, Propylene oxide, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Ethanediol, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
   
• Graystone, Graphite, Whitewash: 
  WARNING: This product can expose you to Ethylene oxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including Hydrazine, 1,4-Dioxane, Propylene oxide, Titanium dioxide, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Ethanediol, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. 

WARNING:

• Antique Brown, Antique Oak, Black, Black Cherry, Brown Mahogany, Cabernet, Espresso, Hickory, Onyx, Pecan, Provincial, Sedona, Tobacco, Walnut, Water Based Wood Stain Base:
  CAUTION: MAY CAUSE EYE IRRITATION. 
   
• Graystone, Graphite: 
  WARNING: HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. CAUSES EYE IRRITATION. 
   
• Whitewash:
  WARNING CAUSES EYE & SKIN IRRITATION. 

WARNING:

• Antique Brown, Cabernet, Hickory, Onyx, Provincial, Sedona, Tobacco:
  Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
   
• Antique Oak, Black, Black Cherry, Brown Mahogany, Espresso, Pecan, Walnut, Water Based Wood Stain Base:
  WARNING: Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
   
• Graystone, Graphite:
  Keep out of the reach of children. Do not swallow. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Wash thoroughly after handling. 
   
• Whitewash: 
  WARNING: Keep out of reach of children. Do not get on skin or clothing. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.