Revealing the Secrets of Alternative Wood Stains: Pros, Cons, and Best Practices

As the industry continues to seek more sustainable and innovative solutions, these unique alternative wood stain options have emerged as a compelling choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. In this summary blog, we’ll reveal what we learned about the world of alternative stains, their advantages, potential drawbacks, and best practices for achieving stunning results.

The growing popularity of alternative stains can be attributed to a variety of factors. From an industry perspective, companies are increasingly drawn to these products because of their environmental friendliness and their ability to offer customers a wider range of options. Most alternative stains boast having a lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content, making them a more sustainable choice compared to traditional solvent-based stains. Most alternative stains boast having a lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content, making them a more sustainable choice compared to traditional solvent-based stains. This shift aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products, as homeowners are looking for ways to minimize their environmental impact.

For contractors, the appeal of alternative stains are in their versatility and easy use. Many of these products are designed to be easier to apply, with reduced risk of lap lines and uneven coverage. This translates to faster project completion times and a more efficient workflow, ultimately benefiting both the contractor and the client. Additionally, some alternative stains offer enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear, while offering a longer lifespan of the finished floor.

To understand the unique properties of each of the alternative stains, it’s essential to know the different types and how their underlying chemistries perform. These stains can be broadly categorized into three main groups: natural hardened oil (plus additive) , water-based, and alcohol-based.

Natural hardened oil-based stain, such as the Pall-X 2-Kolorit, is a two-component formula using plant-derived oils and additive that when mixed together, dries and cures the product in 5 hours (except white). These stains penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing the natural grain and providing a rich appearance. This natural oil-based product results in a slightly longer dry time compared to other alternative stains, but because it also functions as a sealer, actually eliminates that extra step.

Dive in deeper to our conversation with Pallmann here.

Water-based stains, represented by Bona Chroma and Basic Hypertone are a go-to because of their environmental benefits and user-friendly application. These stains depend on water as the primary catalyst, reducing the VOC content and minimizing the strong odors associated with traditional solvent-based products. Water-based stains typically dry faster at around 2-4 hours and offer a more uniform color distribution, making them a popular choice for achieving a consistent, modern aesthetic. Want to get more details, just click the links in this section to watch our Pro Shop Talks with Bona and Basic.

Each type of alternative stain comes with its own advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding these nuances can help you make an informed decision when selecting which is the right stain for your project.

While alternative wood stains offer numerous benefits, knowing the proper application techniques will ensure successful and consistent results. Improper application can lead to issues such as uneven coverage and blotchy appearance, lap marks, or premature wear and tear.

Regardless of the stain type, thorough surface preparation is crucial for achieving successful outcomes. This includes ensuring the floors are clean, free of any contaminants, and properly sanded to the desired grit level. Failing to properly prepare the surface can result in poor adhesion, inconsistent color, or other application problems.

Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can significantly impact the application and drying process of alternative stains. Be mindful of the manufacturer’s recommended application guidelines and adjust your workflow accordingly. Applying stains in the wrong environmental conditions can lead to issues like uneven drying, discoloration, improper adhesion, or other product failure. Want to learn more about addressing temperature and humidity issues? Click over to our video, Acclimation 101.

Each type of alternative wood stain may require a slightly different application technique to ensure optimal results. For example, water-based stains may result in a more uniform appearance when using a buffer and pad to apply the stain. Overlapping passes ensures a more even application to avoid lap marks. Contrastingly, natural oil-hardened stains may benefit from a more liberal application with a trowel or buffer to allow for deeper penetration into the wood surface. Familiarize yourself with the specific instructions for the stain you’re using and practice the application method before tackling a full project.