What Is a Spray Stain Finish?
Discover what a spray stain finish is, its pros and cons, and how it can enhance finished cabinet doors. Should you choose spray stain?
If you’re a contractor or cabinet maker, you’ve probably had a customer ask for a specific finish on cabinet doors. But what if you don’t fully understand the finish they want? Saying yes without knowing the details can lead to problems, like costly mistakes, delays, remakes, and unsatisfied customers. For example, if you don’t understand how a spray stain finish works, you could spend more money and time on a product that doesn’t meet the customer’s expectations.
At Cutting Edge, we’ve made high-quality finished cabinet doors for over 20 years. We use spray and wiping stains regularly, so we know all the ins and outs of these finishes. Our hands-on experience means we can help you get it right the first time and avoid the common mistakes that come with spray stains.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:
Spray Stain Gets Sprayed Onto Cabinet Doors
Unlike a wiping stain, which you apply using a cloth, you apply spray stains using a spray gun. This process creates a finish that sits on top of the wood instead of soaking into it.
Using a spray gun helps cover the entire cabinet door evenly and much faster than wiping by hand. This saves you time and effort, especially on big projects. Since the stain rests on the surface, it highlights the characteristics of the wood. However, because it doesn’t soak in deeply, some areas, like the inside profiles, may not absorb as much stain.
To protect the stain and ensure a durable finish, you must apply at least one coat of sealer. Then, add a clear lacquer coat to create a glossy finish and provide a final barrier against wear and tear.
Characteristics of a Spray Stain Finish
Spray stains offer a unique aesthetic compared to wiping stains. In fact, you can often distinguish a spray stain from a wiping stain because of these three characteristics.
1. Grain Visibility
Because the stain sits on the surface, it makes the wood’s natural grain stand out. The final look can vary depending on how the wood grain reacts to the stain. Darker or more detailed wood grains may look darker than lighter, simpler grains.
2. Unfinished Wood Along the Inside Profile
One issue with spray stains is that they can leave a line of less-finished wood along the inside profiles. This happens because the spray bounces off edges instead of settling into tight corners. The deeper or steeper the profile, the more noticeable this line can be.
3. Uniformity
Spray stains create a smooth, even colour across the whole cabinet door. Spray stains are a good choice if you need a consistent finish.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Spray Stain Finish
When deciding if a spray stain finish is right for your project, it’s important to consider the pros and cons. Spray stains can save you time and give the doors a distinct look, but there are downsides, too. Let’s look at the benefits first.
Benefits of Using A Spray Stain Finish For Cabinet Doors
Spray stain finishes have several advantages, making them popular for many cabinet makers and contractors.
- Efficiency. Since you apply spray stains with a spray gun, they take less time and effort than wiping stains. This makes spray stains ideal for large-scale projects or when working on tight deadlines.
- Even Coverage. Spray stains provide an even finish, reducing the likelihood of streaks or blotches that sometimes occur with wiping stains.
- Emphasizes Wood Grain. The stain sits on the wood, allowing the natural grain to show. This makes spray stains a popular choice for those who want to see the natural wood characteristics.
Drawbacks of Using a Spray Stain Finish for Cabinet Doors
While spray stains have many advantages, these three drawbacks might impact the overall quality and finish of your cabinet doors.
- Unfinished Wood. Spray stains can leave a less-finished, lighter line along the inside profile. This can be particularly noticeable with certain colours or steep profiles, leading to additional touch-up work.
- Less Absorption. Spray stains don’t penetrate the wood as deeply as wiping stains. This means they might not offer the same depth of colour, especially on porous woods.
- Requires Skill and Training. Using a spray gun requires practice and skill. You can control the spray to avoid uneven coverage, overspray, or missed spots, especially along the edges. However, you may find it hard to achieve consistent results without the proper technique and training. A lack of experience can cause the finish to fall below your standards, leading to rework and wasted materials.
Alternatives to a Spray Stain Finish for Cabinet Doors
Spray stains have advantages and disadvantages and might not be the best option. That’s why wiping stains are a good alternative, with a completely different process and result. This method differs significantly from spray stains in both application and results, making it ideal for achieving a deeper, more natural look.
Wiping Stain Finish
You apply wiping stains manually using a cloth or brush, allowing the dyes to soak into the wood’s pores. This method provides a deeper colour and a more natural finish that penetrates the wood.
Because wiping stains require a manual application, they are more time-consuming and labour-intensive. However, unlike spray stains, wiping stains penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing its natural warmth and colour from within. In addition, wiping stains tend to fill tight areas and inside profiles more effectively than spray stains. This more complete coverage increases the durability of the finish and can lengthen the overall lifetime of the cabinet doors.
Choosing between a spray stain and a wiping stain often depends on the specific look and feel your customer wants and the project’s timeline and budget. Both methods have their advantages, but understanding the requirements of each will help you avoid costly mistakes down the line.
Learn How Spray Stains Compare to Wiping Stains
After learning about spray stain finishes and their benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions for your cabinet projects. Whether you’re trying to emphasize the natural wood characteristics or save time on large-scale projects, a spray stain can be a great choice.
However, there are potential challenges you need to consider, like unfinished profiles. Now that you understand the nuances of a spray stain finish, your next step is to explore how it compares to wiping stains. Learn how spray stains stack up against wiping stains to make the best choice for your upcoming cabinet door projects.
