Update: My experience with month long stain drying changed my mind on old methods

I used to buy into the idea that stain needs to sit for weeks before top coating, especially on hardwoods like oak. On my last cabinet job, I let the stain dry for a full month because every forum post said it prevents bleed through and ensures even color. After all that waiting, the top coat went on fine, but so did it on a test piece I only waited two days on. The difference was so small it wasn't worth the extra three weeks of project time. Clients don't pay for perfection they can't see, they pay for a finished piece. Now I follow the can directions and adjust for humidity, not some arbitrary calendar rule. It frees up my bench and lets me take on more work without losing quality. Sometimes we hold onto slow steps just because that's how it's always been done.

4 comments

4 Comments

ruby3101mo ago

So you're telling me we've been treating stain like fine wine that needs to age? Turns out most of that waiting was just us being scared of the can. Glad you found the faster way and freed up your bench.

the_sam1mo ago

Disagree a bit with the 'scared of the can' idea. Like what @lewis.mila said about modern stains curing faster, but idk, I've had projects where rushing it led to issues. Maybe it's just me, but some woods or conditions still need that extra time. I mean, if you're doing a piece that gets a lot of use, waiting ensures it lasts longer. So yeah, while faster ways work for some, I'm not ditching the old school wait just yet.

elliotm5711d ago

But rushing can ruin a whole project if the stain isn't truly dry underneath. That extra wait is cheap insurance against a costly redo.

lewis.mila1mo ago

Totally read an article where a furniture maker said modern stains are formulated to cure faster. Makes sense why the old school month-long wait isn't always needed now.