Staining Options
Water-Based Liquid Stains are growing in popularity because they clean up with soap and water and they dry quickly. They're now available in a wide range of colors as well. The main drawback is that they can raise the surface grain and require sanding to smooth out.
Oil-Based Gel Stains are also popular because they're easy to apply with a rag, they don't run on the surface and they don't raise the grain. But they're harder to clean up and they don't come in as many colors.
Penetrating Oil Stains, also known as "Danish oils" or "rubbing oils" are often used on antiques and on trim with more attractive grain patterns. They penetrate more deeply than the other types of stains, color evenly and do not raise the grain.
