Stained Cabinets: Water, Oil, or Gel
Our last blog Cabinets: Painted, Stained, or Thermofoil covered the two types of materials used for cabinets, and the pros and cons of painted, stained, and thermofoil cabinets. When it comes to staining your cabinets, there are three types of stains: water-based, oil-based, and gel stains.
In this blog, we’ll be going more in depth as to what those mean and share some differences so you can make the best decision on what type of cabinets you want for your home.
Stained cabinets can really give your kitchen a new look. Whether you’re aiming for warm or rustic, or going bold with darker colors, or even embracing bright colored walls and going with light and airy, your cabinets can truly add to your kitchen’s look.
Water-Based Stain
Water-based stains are absorbed into the wood grain and dry quickly. This can prove to be a little tricky, though, because as the water-based stain dries, it raises the wood grain. Some pros to water-based stains include less pollution so they are environmental friendly, and allow for easier clean up.
You might think the stain is all you need, but it’s important to use the right kind of finish, too. Water-based stains are usually best paired with water-based finishes as these finishes don’t bond well with oil or varnish stains, that is unless the wood is treated right during the drying process. Contact us and let the professionals at Fortin Construction do what they do best.
Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based stains have long been considered the ‘go-to’ for wood stains. Since oil-based stains absorb slowly, you have time to wipe away excess before it dries, and they only swell the grain a little bit. With this in mind, it’s important to note that oil-based stains take quite a while to dry, this includes waiting for each coat to try thoroughly. You can use this to your advantage though, as this allows you to have more control over the intensity of the color.
Oil-based stains also come with a strong odor until they’re completely dry, and can be harder to clean up. You can use almost any type of finish for oil-based stained cabinets, just not water-based finishes. Your best bet is to contact the professionals at Fortin Construction and work with them to find the best cabinets for your home.
Gel Stains
Gel stains are different from water-based and oil-based stains in that gel stains don’t absorb into the wood but instead form a thick coat of color or stain on top of the wood. Some would consider this a pro to gel stains as the coating allows for an easier level of uniform coloring. Similar to oil-based stains, you can wipe away excess easily.
Gel stains are typically applied with a rag versus a brush like water-based stains, though this really depends on the consistency of the stain. There are some gel stains that may pool in crevices or corners, so using a gel stain on cabinets is best left for the professionals. Give the experts at Fortin Construction a call if you’re considering installing gel stained cabinets in your home.
The great part about these different types of stains is you have options. Just like with everything else Fortin Construction does, we work with you to customize your home and create a unique house to match you and your family’s personality. Browse our site and our Houzz account for some inspiration, and give us a call today.