Can You Mix Stain With Polyurethane? (Answered!)

Is it possible to combine stain and polyurethane to achieve a unique finish?

The possibility of combining stain and polyurethane has been discussed for several years. 

Some believe it is feasible, while others maintain that the two goods are incompatible and must never be combined.

In this essay, we will discuss the various types of stains compatible with polyurethane and the reasons for this compatibility. 

In addition to this, we will guide how to create your poly-stain mix and discuss the amount of time the mixture needs to dry before a topcoat can be applied.

VIDEO: Mixing Stain And Polyurethane

Is it Possible to Combine Stain with Polyurethane?

Yes. You may get the finish color you want by combining polyurethane and stain in the appropriate proportions. In woodworking, combining the stain with the poly is standard practice. 

It helps to strengthen the product’s protection against stained wood while minimizing the amount of time required for application. 

When you combine the two, check that they both have the same base. This means you should use an oil-based poly with an oil-based stain and vice versa.

What Proportion of the Stain Is Added to the Polyurethane?

No set volume should be used when it comes to blending polyurethane and wood stains. Nevertheless, the ratio of stain to the most commonly used polyurethane is fifty percent of each.

 Despite this, the ratio of stain to polyurethane in your mixture might be as low as 25 to 75, depending on the hue and texture that you like.

The polyurethane will be easier to apply with the help of the wood stain. 

Therefore, the likelihood of the mixture being thinner increases proportion to the amount of stain in it. 

When applied, a combination containing more stain than polyurethane is likely to have a more viscous appearance, resulting in a glossier surface.

Now that this particular point has been clarified, the question that naturally arises is how to combine the two items. First, take a look at the mixing process that is outlined below.

The Proper Way to Combine Stain and Polyurethane

Stain and polyurethane have an easy-to-follow technique to follow while being mixed. The steps that need to be followed are as follows. 

This method achieves the best results when applied to staining floors with polyurethane.

 Step 1: Place a tarp on the ground or the workbench’s surface.

It would help if you used either a drop cloth or a piece of plastic to protect the surface on which you intend to combine the two solutions. Wood stain can spill and damage the floor or tables below it.

During stirring polyurethanes, they tend to spill, leaving unsightly stains on the floor or worktop where you are working.

Covering the surface will create a buffer that will collect any accidental spills and safeguard the worktop or floor against unsightly discoloration.

Step 2: Prepare the stain.

To begin, give the stain in its container a good stir so that it is consistent. Pigment stain or colorants are typically suspended in a solvent or carrier and make up the constituent parts of wood stains.

Because the colorant is not always dissolved in the vehicle, the colorant’s heavier particles tend to sink to the bottom of the container.

A complete and rich stain color can be achieved throughout the wood stain by stirring the stain, which helps spread the pigments throughout the varnish stains.

Step 3: Get the polyurethane ready for use.

Polyurethanes, much like wood stains, require to have moderate stirring done to them to create the desired color and consistency throughout the liquid.

For this particular task, you should use a stirring stick and perform your labor in a location that features adequate ventilation. Also, give the solution a light stir to prevent the possibility of air bubbles forming in it or diluting and pouring all over the place.

If there is a spill, you should ensure that you are working on top of the drop cloth or plastic sheeting, so the mess does not get to the floor or the tabletop.

Step 4: Combine the stain with the polyurethane.

After you have thoroughly mixed both solutions in their containers, it is time to combine them in a glass jar for further processing. In the container, you plan to use to create your mixture, add the wood stain and the polyurethane finish in equal proportions.

The container may be a latex paint bucket that has been thoroughly cleaned and emptied or another container with a lid. If you want to use only some of the mixtures, you must ensure that the container has a lid. To store it securely, you will need to close it.

In addition, you will want to check that the container is large enough to hold the stain and the polymer without it spilling out of its confines.

Step 5: Combine the two until the color is uniform throughout.

The next step is to give the mixture a light and slowly stir until it reaches a color and consistency that are uniform throughout. Remember that polyurethane tends to have a thicker consistency than wood stains. Because of this, mixing them will result in a less concentrated solution; however, you still need to mix them until they have the same level of consistency.

If you are only mixing a small amount of wood stain and polyurethane in a large bucket, consider tilting the bucket to the side to improve the mixing process.

Because there is no established method for determining when the mixture is complete, you will need to rely on your intuition and sense of sight to determine when it has been well combined. To ensure that everything is well combined, stir it slowly and carefully while being patient for a few minutes.

Step 6: If you are going to store the container, make sure it is covered and labeled.

If you think you might use the combination in the future, keep it covered and label the container so it can be found more easily. Once more, it is up to you to determine the method of marking most effective for you.

If you intend to keep the combination for later use, you must give it a thorough stir before using it. In addition, we suggest giving it a quick stir every so often as you’re applying it to ensure that the color and consistency are maintained consistently throughout.

Can I Combine Polyurethane with Any Stain?

An oil-based stain is recommended when blending polyurethane with any form of stain.

When combined, oil-based stain and oil-based polyurethane produce a finish that is not only long-lasting but also allows for the creation of unique effects, such as faux colors, on wooden surfaces such as furniture, walls, and other objects.

Which Types of Polyurethane Can Be Combined with Different Stains?

It is possible to produce a mixture with the color and consistency you want by combining oil-based polyurethane and oil stain. However, make sure that both the polyurethane and the wood stain have the same base before you begin combining the two. For example, to combine, both must have an oil base.

Can we combine an oil-based stain with polyurethane that is water-based?

No. Oil and water based stain do not and cannot mix. If you mix water-based poly with oil-based wood stain or apply water-based poly over the oil based wood stain, you will most likely experience adhesion issues. 

To properly combine the polyurethane and the stain, you must constantly use the same foundation.

By reading the label on the product’s container, you will always be able to determine whether the product is water- or oil-based.

Is it possible to combine gel stain and polyurethane?

In woodworking, combining gel stain and polyurethane is unique. If you want to combine polyurethane with stain, consider using oil based polyurethane and oil-based stain.

Can polyurethane be stained after it has dried?

It is not a typical procedure, but applying a penetrating stain over polyurethane, which may cause drying issues, can cause these issues. On the other hand, Gel stain does not permeate the stained or unstained wood stain. Therefore it can be used successfully over polyurethane and allowed to dry.

How long must pass before I can apply polyurethane after staining?

After staining the wood, you must wait between 24 and 48 hours before applying polyurethane. 

However, depending on how humid the summer weather is, you may need to wait for an extra day or longer than usual for the stain to cure completely.

If you are unwilling to take a chance, it is usually advisable to wait for the same stain to dry for as long as three days before applying polyurethane. The drying time can be as long as three days.

Should I sand the surface before applying the stain and the polyurethane?

It is necessary to use a synthetic sanding pad and do further sanding in between applications of stain and polyurethane in staining wood to remove any colored surface flaws that could potentially be seen through the clear coat.

Think about using sandpaper with fine grit for this purpose on raw wood, and clean up the sanding dust before applying the polyurethane.

Which Types of Polyurethane Can Be Combined with Different Stains?

It is possible to produce a mixture with the color and consistency you want by combining oil-based polyurethane and oil stain. However, make sure that both the polyurethane and the wood stain have the same base before you begin combining the two. For example, to combine, both must have an oil base.

Can oil based stain be combined with polyurethane that is water-based?

No. Oil and water do not and cannot mix. If you mix water-based poly with oil based wood stain or apply water-based poly over the oil based wood stain, you will most likely experience adhesion issues. 

To properly combine the polyurethane and the oil based polyurethane, you must constantly use the same foundation.

By reading the label on the product’s container, you will always be able to determine whether the product is water- or oil based poly.

Is it possible to combine gel stain and polyurethane?

In woodworking, combining gel stain and polyurethane is not typical. If you want to combine polyurethane with stain, you should consider using oil stain polyurethane and oil-based stain.

Can polyurethane be stained after it has dried?

It is not a typical procedure, but applying a penetrating stain over polyurethane, which may cause drying issues, can cause these issues. 

On the other hand, Gel stain does not permeate the stained or unstained wood. Therefore, it can be used successfully over polyurethane on bare wood and allowed to dry.

 How long must pass before I can apply polyurethane after staining?

After staining the wood, you must wait between 24 and 48 hours before applying polyurethane to the existing stain. However, depending on how humid the summer weather is, you may need to wait for an extra day or longer than usual for the stain to cure completely.

If you are unwilling to take a chance, it is usually advisable to wait for the same stain to dry for as long as three days before applying polyurethane. The drying time can be as long as three days.

Should I sand the surface before applying the stain and the polyurethane?

It is necessary to use a synthetic sanding pad and do further sanding in between applications of stain and polyurethane to remove any colored surface flaws that could potentially be seen through the clear coat.

Think about using sandpaper with fine grit for this purpose, and clean up the sanding dust before applying the polyurethane.

FAQ on Can You Mix Stain With Polyurethane

Is it possible to stain polyurethane to give it a color?

Is it possible to create a colored top coat by combining stain and polyurethane? Yes! One thing that is very important to keep in mind is that if you are using a stain that is water based, then you should also use a varnish that is water based, and vice versa.

Is it possible to stain and polyurethane the same surface at the same time?

Stain and polyurethane in one is a product that, as its name suggests, only requires one step to apply. A single coat of stain and poly in one adds color and provides protection from the elements. The pigment is held in suspension within the polyurethane, so the color does not really seep into the wood. Instead, it is resting on the top of the wood’s surface.

Can I dye wood that has been finished with polyurethane?

When it comes to generating an amber-colored wood finish with a rich, increased grain of the wood and stain color, oil-based polyurethane is your best bet for success. It is particularly stunning on brown wood stain hues, such as these 10 most popular wood stain colors.

Will the stain become darker if polyurethane is applied?

A polyurethane that is based on oil will continue to turn yellow and become darker over time, whereas a polyurethane that is based on water will not change color at any point during the lifetime of the hardwood floor. This color difference is less evident over a stained hardwood floor, but an oil-based poly will still exhibit an amber tint that will continue to darken over time. This color difference is less noticeable over unstained hardwood floors.

What kind of pigments can I use to color polyurethane?

Latex paint that is water based is the kind of paint that works best for tinting polyurethane. The most important thing for you to understand is that you should only mix goods that are water-based with other products that are water-based, and products that are oil-based with other products that are oil-based.