Paint/Stain/Waterproofing Wood stand

So I'm in the planning process of building a stand and wanted to know what the purpose of staining the wood does.

I'm not planning on painting it because I'm looking for that vintage wood feel. And the guys at Lowes said I can just stain the wood. Home Depot says I just need to waterproof it and staining is optional.

From what I can research, staining does the same purpose as waterproofing as well as coloring the wood. So could I just stain the wood and be all set or would I need to waterproof it?

Going to be running a sump if that changes things or make it more complicated.

 

Wood stains come in many different looks/colors. Staining wood changes the look of the wood as well as protect the finish of the wood (when used with a polyurethane over-top of stain). You can use a natural wood stain, which is basically almost clear, or you can pick from a large variety of different styles/colors to give the wood a different look. If you want an old aged/worn look then you might want to go with a darker stain.

 

Wood stain, as well as polyurethane (hey that rhymed. lol), can be applied using a rag or a brush. Simply cover the wood completely, wait several minutes, and then wipe down...the stain will soak into the wood; the more coats you apply, and the longer you let the stain set in, the darker the wood will be when you are done.

Here are a few choices to pick from.

http://www.lowes.com/pl_Water_42948...d_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1

 

Yeah I was looking at getting a darker stain for the wood, maybe red oak or dark walnut stain. Can I get away without the polyurethane or is that something that is pretty important?

 

It seems I missed this part. I should slow down when I read.

You are correct, that is basically what it does. but a stain only partially protects the wood from water. You will want to apply a polyurethane top-coat to fully water-proof the wood cabinet.

Running a sump will not change the process of staining, although I may suggest against staining the inside of the stand. I would personally just paint it white (semi-gloss, water based latex paint) so it is easier to see, but if you are using maple or another hard wood, then stain and apply polyurethane as above.

 

I would consider the polyurethane to be fairly important in completely water-proofing the wood grain. While stain...well, stains the wood, giving it color, a polyurethane will basically seal it, keeping out moisture and will give the wood a smooth-slick surface.

 

Thanks for the help! I think I will stain the whole thing and then put on the polyurethane coat. I'm a bit ocd so the whole stand will either have to be completely stained or completely painted. And since I'm not looking to paint it, stain it is! haha

 

No problem! That's what we are here for. I like this topic anyway.

 

Can't wait to see what you decide on. Picture are a must when you are done too. If you have any other questions, just ask.

 

Haha I will get pictures when I get started! I'm still in the drawing phase, soon to the 3d render, and then to the frame build, then the bells and whistles. Haha

So far I have the general frame layout from Reef Central's basic stand calculator, skinning idea from Coastie Reefer, door idea stolen by Coastie Reefer, a "floating" canopy (this is easier explained when I get the 3d render done).

Will be an interesting build, going with a vintage/modern look (explains the canopy design) Maybe some dim rim lighting around the bottom and back of the stand like those plasma tv's.