For years wood has been stained predominately using solvent-based stains. However, water-based stains are slowly replacing solvent-based stains. In this blog, we will explore the growing advantages of water-based stains.
To dive deeper into water-based stains we discussed the topic with two industry veterans. Mike James has been in the wood finishing business for 21 years. Mike is currently Sr. Technical Service Representative at Sherwin-Williams. Justin Martin is the Director of Operations at Bishop Cabinets. Justin has been in the cabinet business 15 years, including several years managing the finish room.
But first, an important clarification. Many water-based stains also include some solvents. However, they contain much less than solvent-based stains. With that said, let’s explore with these industry veterans why water-based stains are growing.
Q: Why water-based stains now? Is there new technology that have made water-based stains more popular?
A: New base formulations and pigments are now available that were not available just a few years ago. These new developments achieve a desired appearance on certain wood species and colors. Water-based stains typically exhibit better results on maple, birch, alder, cherry and especially with medium to dark colors. Water-based stains also tend to reduce “cloudiness” and the halo effect on certain profiles like shaker doors.
Q: What are some of the trending colors where water-based stains allow for a better presentation?
A: Chocolate Brownie, Tea with Milk, Warm Grey and Perfect Brown.
Chocolate Brownie
Tea with Milk
Warm Gray
Perfect Brown
Q: Which is more durable, water-based or solvent-based stains?
A: Both are equally durable.
Q: If my kitchen has lots of sunlight, would it be better to have a water-based or solvent-based stain?
A: All stains fade over time. There is no difference in fading between water-based and solvent-based stains. Fading is a function of how much UV light the cabinets are exposed to, and the pigment and dye used in the formulation.
Q: Will water-based stains make it more difficult for designers and homeowners to create custom styles and colors?
A: No. In fact, water-based stains offer additional desired looks that were difficult to achieve with solvent-based stains.
Q: Which is better for the environment?
A: Water-based. Environmental agencies are encouraging the use of more water-based stains when possible. Often, however, to get the desired look a solvent-based stain is still required.
Bishop is starting to investigate new stains with these water-based formulations. For example, we are developing a mid-tone brown water-based stain similar to our current Chestnut, while eliminating many of the issues we have with this offering today.
We have found this water-based formulation absorbs evenly across multiple densities within a single piece of wood. Traditional stains require multiple coats or multiple steps to achieve the depth of color across the variations in grain. Water based stains also tend to reduce color variations on a single piece of wood that are normally caused by the natural grain characteristics. Sometimes these color differences can appear “blotchy” or “cloudy”. This formulation lends itself to a much deeper color but also highlights the grain structure of each piece of wood.
The illustrations below demonstrate the difference on maple. On the left is a solvent-based stain and the “blotchy” or “cloudiness” issues. On the right is water-based stain with more even absorption.
Blotchy Solvent-based Stain on Maple
Rich-Tone Water-based Stain on Maple
About Sherwin-Williams
Since 1866, Sherwin-Williams has provided manufacturers and finishers with the coatings they need to make their products look better and last longer, while helping their operations meet productivity and sustainability goals. For the industrial wood market, our innovative solutions go beyond coatings to include knowledge, tools, equipment, supplies and industry-leading support. For a better finish, ask Sherwin-Williams.
For more information visit wood.sherwin.com.
About Bishop Cabinets
Bishop Cabinets has been manufacturing for over 60 years. Click here to learn more about our capabilities and latest offerings that align with the latest trends in cabinet finishes.
Our Vision Statement
“To create beautiful and functional cabinets through innovation, growth, and a commitment to keep family values at the core of everything we do.”