To achieve the best results, be sure to take the time to properly prepare the surface to be stained. As with paint, proper preparation is the key to a successful staining job that will last. See the following categories to find which best describes the condition of your wood, and how to prepare it for staining.
- New wood – “mill glaze” is found on new, smooth planed wood, and interferes with the adhesion and penetration of stain. Use Benjamin Moore BRIGHTEN Brightener and Neutralizer (317) to remove the mill glaze found on all new wood.
- Unfinished wood – Use Benjamin Moore CLEAN Multi-Purpose Cleaner (318) to prepare wood for staining. CLEAN removes mold and mildew.
- Maintained finished wood – Use Benjamin Moore CLEAN Multi-Purpose Cleaner (318) to keep stained surfaces looking crisp as well as to prepare for regular maintenance touch-ups.
- Mildewed/neglected wood – Use Benjamin Moore RESTORE Wood Restorer (316) to remove dead wood fibers and for cleaning. Please note that Benjamin Moore RESTORE darkens tannin-rich woods such as cedar and redwood. Use Benjamin Moore BRIGHTEN Brightener and Neutralizer (317) to reverse the darkening effect.
- Worn/stained wood – Use Benjamin Moore REMOVE Finish Remover (315) to remove existing oil and/or latex finishes as well as to remove opaque solid color stains and water sealers from wood prior to refinishing or restoration. Use Benjamin Moore BRIGHTEN Brightener and Neutralizer (317) to neutralize Benjamin Moore REMOVE residue.
- Tannin-rich woods (cedar, redwood) – Use Benjamin Moore Alkyd Primer (366) to control tannin bleeding when using solid color stains, particularly under lighter colors.