Staining Plywood Cabinets, Floors, Walls – Best Stain for Plywood [Ultimate Guide]

Staining plywood furniture and some surfaces and parts of the house doesn’t come easy; it requires a lot of items and expertise. Beginner painters and interior decorators can try their hands at staining these surfaces, but they need a lot of information to succeed. As an expert or a beginner, what should you know? How can you efficiently stain plywood walls, floors, and cabinets? 

Here’s what I learned:

Can You Stain Plywood Cabinets, Floors, Doors?

You can stain plywood well. Be sure to sand the plywood surface with fine sandpaper and wipe clean, apply a sanding sealer to get a smooth surface, apply conditioner and wait to dry before applying stain, and finish with shellac or polyurethane finish as a protective layer.

This article has got you covered the details you need to know about staining plywood projects. It offers deep insights into what it entails to stain plywood and the best stain products for plywood.

Let’s get started!

Stain Plywood vs. Paint Plywood?

Although paint needs fewer coats due to its thicker texture, the stain is easier and quicker to apply. Again, while stain gives a more natural look, paint comes in a wider range of color options. Generally, paint is more susceptible to peeling and flaking than stain. 

Stain is more budget-friendly. With a budget of $20-$35, you can buy a gallon of a stain product. A gallon of a quality paint product can range between $40 and $60.

Ultimately, the effects each process creates on your projects differ. However, the standout features of staining plywood are enormous:

Does Staining Plywood Make It Waterproof?

Yes, when you stain plywood, you provide the wood with an incredible level of protection against moisture. It becomes difficult for water to penetrate the wood or peel the stain. Besides, just like your sun screen will behave, stain also offers.  

Types of Stain When Staining Plywood- Which Is Better?

Oil-Based Stain

Oil-based wood stains are excellent for exterior decors. If the furniture is going to be exposed to the weather, you should use oil-based paint. This is because oil-based stains are very durable. They provide long-lasting protection for your furniture piece because they will penetrate the wood and bond with it.

Water-Based Stain

Water-based wood stain is suitable for interior furniture. These stains are non-toxic; they do not produce harmful fumes when drying. However, because they do not generate as deep a color as oil-based stains, many stain applications are frequently required to get the same tone. If you want to finish the work with a water-based finish, water-based stains are a perfect choice.

Gel Stain

Gel stains are a type of colored varnish thicker than oil-based wood stains. Even though they are also oil-based, unlike ordinary oil-based stains, they can be left indefinitely on top of the wood.

Because the stain thickness regulates how much is absorbed into the wood, gel stain is perfect for blotchy plywoods like pine and birch wood. Although gel stains are more expensive than traditional wood stains, they frequently eliminate the need for additional treatments such as wood conditioners.

How Long Does Stain Take to Dry on Plywood?

How long wood stain takes to dry on plywood depends on the type of stain you’re using:

Water-based wood stain: 10 minutes to 60 minutes

Oil-based wood stain: 1 hour to 24 hours

Gel stain: 8-24 hours

If you’re using water-based wood stain, the drying time can range from 10 minutes to 1 hour. Other water-based products may take more time. Oil-based stain takes a longer time to dry. Depending on the stain product, it can be between 1 to 24 hours. Gel stain can take between 8 to 24 hours.

Regardless of the time, you should allow the first coat of stain to dry before applying the second. If not, your project will not come out well.

Read More >> How Long Does Stain Take To Dry Completely On Wood?

Do You Need to Sand Plywood before Staining?

Sanding is an essential step while staining your plywood project. In fact, it’ll be counterproductive staining a plywood surface that you’ve not sanded. Plywood comes with a lot of surface dirt and debris. Much of this dust is tiny and invisible. Sanding helps you smooth the surface and remove anything deposit. After sanding, you’ll need to wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth. It’s until you complete the tack-cloth wiping before you start applying the stain. The surface of the plywood must be as smooth and clean as possible to enable the stain adhere well to the surface.  

Tools You Need to Staining Plywood

Staining plywood isn’t a difficult thing to do. However, you’ll need different a few supplies to get the job done faster and more efficiently. 

• Paintbrushes or Rag: Paint brush is best to apply wood stain. You can also use rag

• Tack cloth: Used to wipe sanding dust

• Hand orbital sander: This helps to smooth the surface and remove dust, deposit, or dirt

• Hand sanding block: This helps you to hold the sander well and sand the surface properly

• Primer: It’s perfect to use solvent-based primer to help bond well and ensure smooth and even staining on the veneer 

• Non-oil stain: A coat or two of non-oil wood stain will do a great job

• Polyurethane: Serves as a sealant to add protection or coating to the stained wood

How to Stain Plywood Step By Step

Let’s take a look at the steps for staining plywood:

• Step 1: Sand the Plywood
• Step 2: Wipe off the Debris from Plywood Surface
• Step 3: Apply the Stain to the Plywood
• Step 4: Wipe Away Excess Stain
• Step 5: Allow Stain to Dry
• Step 6: Apply Second Coat
• Step 7: Apply Top Coat

Step 1: Sand the Plywood

Sanding Plywood is a very delicate procedure this is why you have to sand lightly. When sanding the front or back portions of the wood you need to be cautious but much more cautious when sanding the sides/edges of the wood. You could use grit sandpaper or an orbital sander that is set on low speed to perform this procedure.

Step 2: Wipe off the Debris from the Surface of the Plywood

With a microfiber cloth, clean the debris that results from sanding off the wood surface. It is more advisable to use a dried cloth over a wet one because you would not have to waste more time allowing the wood dry before staining. 

Step 3: Apply the Stain to the Plywood

Stair the stain before you begin, then using a suitable means get the stain on the wood. Some persons prefer using brushes or rollers to apply stains regardless of whether it is an oil or water-based stain. But it’s recommended that you use a rag with an oil stain as it will provide ease of control for you.

 When applying water-based stain you could use a foam brush but keep a rag handy to wipe off the excessive stain when the wood is dried. Apply the stain in the direction of the grain line to give the staining a professional look.

Step 4: Wipe Away Excess Stain

After about 10 minutes post application of the stain use a rag to wipe off the excessive stain. It is necessary to wipe off the excess because they would make the work appear rough and messy. If you have used oil-based stain, you could refrain from wiping off the excess as it would get dried too.

Step 5: Allow Stain to Dry

Wait for some times to let the stain dry. The drying varies significantly from stain. The water-based stain may take between 10 and 30 minutes to dry. Oil-based wood stains have a longer dry time. They often require as much as 4-6 hours between coats, and 24 hours to dry. 

Step 6: Apply Second Coat

Once the first layer has completely dried out, it’s time to add the second coat of stain. You can follow from step 2 through 5. You can repeat the process if you’re not satisfied with results. What’s most essential is to allow for the drying time between coats.

Step 7: Apply Top Coat

After you finish applying wood stain you need to use polyurethane sealer as top coat, it can be stain to keep the bright color, but also to prevent scratches and extend the life.

Best Way to Stain and Finish Plywood Edges

Plywood edges appear precisely like the tiny remains of most woods when stained. They absorb more stains and get darker than the average surface of the plywood.

To stain and finish plywood edges, you need to cover the edges of the wood with strips of thin wood tape, which looks like a veneer. The tape is described to be self-adhesive and is applied by pressing it the same way as a laundry iron. 

Note that unique edging can cause an uneven stain on the plywood. This is why a pre-stain sealer should be applied first on the plywood edges to give it a smooth and attractive look.

Staining Plywood Cabinets

Can Cabinets Plywood be Stained?

Of course, plywood cabinets can be stained. The process is straightforward. Immediately you finish test-staining and sanding your plywood; the next is doing some finishing touches and then applying the stain. In all, avoid the use of the wrong stain product. 

Can you Refinish Plywood Cabinets?

Finishing on plywood cabinets does not last long. To prevent fading, re-apply stain on the wood to give it a durable and glossy look. This process helps to maintain the texture and color of the cabinets and protect them.

How Do You Make Plywood Look Like Real Wood?

Steps to make plywood look like real natural wood:

• Prime the plywood and allow it to dry.
• Choose a wood color you prefer for your project.
• Apply your base color on the plywood using a roller and allow it to dry for at least four hours
• Apply the stain with either brush or rag
• Make sure there are no dust particles or blemishes on the plywood.
• Apply a sufficient quantity of latex paint and acrylic glaze. The more stain you apply on the plywood, the darker the color becomes.

How to Stain and Finish Plywood Cabinets?

The process of staining and finishing plywood cabinets is straightforward, so let’s see how to do it:

• Sand the plywood with fine-grit (up to 220) sandpaper to ensure easy stain
• Wipe off dust with a rag or brush to avoid imperfections in the stain
• Allow the plywood to dry.
• Prime the wood with a conditioner using a brush. This will help prevent foreign particles in the plywood.
• Allow the conditioner dry for fifteen minutes, and then wipe off with a rag.
• Apply clear varnish to protect the stained surface, and be careful to avoid drips. Use polyurethane finish to get a great look.

Staining Plywood Floors

Can You Stain a Subfloor? 

Yes, you can stain a subfloor. You only need to sand the floor, clean off the debris, and stain with your preferred oil or water-based paint. It can be difficult, but it is not impossible to stain subfloors. What you must do is follow through with the whole process.  

Does Plywood look Good Stained?

Yes, You can make the plywood look good after staining, but it depends on your staining technique and how thoroughly you followed the staining process. The truth is that hard and soft plywoods can give a brilliant look when stained, and make sure you sand with a fine-grit sander. If you’re using untreated Plywood, allow it to dry out properly before staining.  

How Do You Make Plywood Floors Look Nice?

The embellishing of your plywood floor isn’t entirely different from how you stain for a great look and finish. A nice-looking stained plywood floor depends on how you stain the wood.

Let’s look at the simple steps to make the plywood floor look nice:

• Begin by sanding the floor to give it a smooth appearance to the floor. 
• Depending on the floor area, you could use hand sandpapers or a power sanding tool to sand.  
• After that, sweep off debris or vacuum clean the floors. 
• Fill up the holes and gouges on the floor to provide evenness for the plywood. You could also use a wood filler compound that dries to a plastic-like consistency as this would easily withstand pressure when stepped on.

How Do You Stain a Plywood Floor?

Staining a plywood floor requires that you have all the tools and supplies available. The most essential are fine-grit sandpaper, vacuum cleaner, stain formula, and stain applicator.

Let’s take a look at the simple steps:

• Clear the room off furniture and remove the baseboards
• With 60-grit sandpaper inserted in the floor sander, sand the floor in an orderly manner
• Hand- sand the edges of the floor
• Allow the dust that resulted from sanding to get settled
• Using the vacuum cleaner, remove the dust
• Apply the stain with a paint roller and allow it to dry out completely.

Staining Birch Plywood

Is Birch Hard To Stain?

Unlike some other woods that readily accept stains, Birch is incredibly hard to stain. This is because its surface absorbs stains at differing rates. It would require more skill and a better understanding of staining techniques to stain Birch excellently.

Can You Stain Baltic Birch Plywood?

Yes, you can stain Baltic Birch plywood. Although you could use oil or gel-based stains on Birch, the water-based stain often always give the best results. The stain can be applied using a brush or rag.

What Color Stain Works Best On Birch Plywood?

This would depend on if you want the Birch to become brighter (White Wash, Walrus Oil, Weathered Oak, Sun Bleached) or darker(Early American, Dark Walnut, Briar Smoke, Puritan Pine and Classic Gray) after staining.

Do You Need To Prime Birch Plywood?

Priming birch plywood is a very necessary way to prevent acid or oils from leaching from the board. So whenever stain is to be applied on Birch, a primer must be procured and applied to the wood first. 

Best Way To Stain Birch Plywood

Step 1: Sand the surface

Use 120-grit sandpaper sand the wood surface. Sanding prepares the wood. Thereafter, wipe the wood surface with a clean rag to remove debris and dust that resulted from the sanding.

Step 2: Add pre-stain Conditioner

Procure a pre-stain conditioner and immediately apply this to the cleaned wood surface using a poly brush. Leave the conditioner to get dried for some hours as instructed by the manufacturer.

Step 3: Apply the birch plywood Stain

Using the poly brush, apply the water-based stain evenly unto the wood surface, following the wood grain direction. Observe the wood to resolve any areas that have an excessive stain buildup. Perform this procedure in a well-lit place.

Step 4: Allow the stain to dry

Allow the wood dry for a minimum of four hours before handling it. Before using the wood for any further work, allow it dry for a minimum of 3 days.

Step 5: Repeat steps through 4 if you need more coats of stain

Staining Oak Plywood

Can You Stain Oak Veneer Plywood? 

Oak veneer plywood is one of the best kinds of wood to stain. You can definitely stain it. Oak veneer plywood is very porous compared to other kinds of wood. Hence, it would absorb and hold the wood stain beautifully. You don’t even need to apply wood conditioner to oak plywood because it is already very absorbent. 

How Do You Prepare Oak Plywood for Staining? 

Plywood is already ready for staining but make sure that you are doing it correctly without making any mistakes. Follow these tips to prepare your plywood for staining. 

Step 1: Sand your plywood. However, you want to be careful not to sand off a lot.

Step 2: Wipe off the dust after sanding. You should do this with a lint-free cloth so that fibers don’t get caught in the wood

Step 3: Use edge bands on the edges of the plywood, because if the wood stain should touch the edges it would look different from the rest of the plywood

Now your wood is ready to be stained.

How to Stain Oak Hardwood Plywood Floor?

When a hardwood floor begins to show signs of wear and tear, you can refinish it to restore its appearance and performance. However, make no mistake: It takes time and effort to sand, stain, and seal a wood floor. Even an expert will find it challenging. However, doing it yourself can save you a lot of money, perhaps more than half of what hiring a pro would cost. If you’re up for the challenge, stay reading for instructions on staining your hardwood floors.

The steps involved include:

• Clear the space you intend to stain.
• Sand the floor three times with a random orbital sander, each time using a lighter-grit abrasive.
• Wipe the dust away
• Using a lint-free cloth, apply stain to the hardwood floor in two-foot sections at a time.
• Apply a durable and glossy coat of polyurethane sealant to the surface.

6 Best Stain Color for Plywood Reviews

#1. Minwax 26060 Walnut Gel Stain Interior/Exterior Gel Stain

If you’re searching for the best stain for your plywood, the Walnut-colored Minwax Gel Stain comes atop many of its competitors. It’s an incredible piece perfect for staining a wide range of plywood surfaces, including accessories, cabinets, trim, doors, furniture, and molding. It also works well on non-wood projects, such as fiberglass, veneer, and metal.

This non-drip formula I easy to apply, thanks to its thick frame and greater color control. The stain delivers even color on any surface and adheres very well. Thus, it is a brand that gives you full control and flexibility while staining your project.  

Minwax Gel stain produces uniform color and classic, and rich finish that makes your project attractive.

Pros

• Works for wood and non-wood projects
• Produces rich and even finish
• Provides flexibility during application
• Sticks well to surfaces

Cons

• Slow drying time (8-10 hours)

#2. Minwax 22716 Oil-Based Wood Stain, Dark Walnut & Classic Gray

The Minwax 22716 is an oil-based wood stain that delivers a classic, gray finish for your stained plywood. This deep penetrating formula is famous for its high-performance effect on various surfaces. 

The stain rich even color reinforces the natural look of your plywood grain. All of this it delivers in one coat. 

It is specifically designed for interior projects, including doors, cabinets, and wood furniture.

It is a fast-drying formula as it dries in two hours. It is also a deep-penetrating liquid that gets into the pores of the plywood in 5 minutes after application. The Minwax 22716 doesn’t lap or flake. It adheres well to the surface and provides quality waterproofing to the wood. It makes your stained plywood look beautiful and rich. 

Pros 

• Resistant lapping
• Easy to apply
• Performs well in one coat
• Fast-drying formula

Cons 

• Could be toxic

#3. Minwax Gel Stain for Interior Wood Surfaces, Aged Oak

If you in search of a thick, easy-to-apply and transparent stain, the Minxwax Gel Stain does a great job. It blends brightness with transparency, while delivering even color to your wood project. This is one of the good-looking, natural wood stains that boast a rich oak-colored look. It also offers a classic look for a medium color on a range of surfaces.   

Whether you want to stain wood or non-wood projects, the Minwax gel will do a great job. You can apply it on fiberglass, veneer, and metal. It’s perfect for accessories, cabinets, trim, molding, and more.

You can trust this stain to resist lapping, chipping and cracking. It is an extremely durable formula that works in and out of season. 

Pros

• Perfect for plywood and other non-wood projects
• Doesn’t drip or run
• Provides even and uniform color
• Durable and resistant to lapping

Cons 

• Not perfect for exterior surface

#4. Varathane 262005 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain, Early American

Varathane 262005 is a fast-drying oil-based wood stain that truly reflects the Varathane brand. The stain’s early American color gives it an edge over many of its competitors out there. If you’re in search of wood stain that will work perfectly on all interior wood projects, this is the solution for it.

It will stain your paneling, trim, doors, cabinets, and wood furniture without any lapping. It adheres well to the surface if you apply the pre-stain conditioner.  

Although you need to add pre-stain conditioner on your bare wood, the Varathane will adhere and bond well and give the most uniform color that you desire. 

Pros

• Cover up to 275 sq. ft.
• Dries to touch in under one hour
• Features nano pigment
• Works for different surfaces

Cons

• Could soak in too quickly

#5. Varathane 262030 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain

The Varathane 262030 is another great option for people looking for fast-drying formula that gives a quality finish to wood and non-wood projects. Varathane has become the ideal stain producer for many wood furniture makers. 

The finish is amazing and you’ll not need more than one coat to cover a wide surface area and get a beautiful finish. It is made with nano pigment particles to confer a natural beautiful look on your wood furniture,  

The good thing about this product is that it also works on other non-wood project, including doors, molding, cabinets, and paneling. 

It’s a quick-drying formula that dries out completely too touch in 1 hour.

Pros

• Covers wide are up to 70 square feet
• Features nano pigments for natural look
• Dries fast
• Works well on interior surfaces

Cons

• Not suitable for exterior wood staining

#6. General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, Black

On our list of the best stain color for plywood, the oil-based General Finishes come top in terms of finishing. This formula has been regarded as the stain with the most finishing feel from General Finishes. The brand carefully manufactures the kit to give woodworkers value for their money. 

It comes with a lustrous finish that you can only find in the best stain colors in the industry. It features a heavy frame that penetrates quite deeply into the pores of the plywood in 5 minutes.   

Plus, the stain provides an even colorful finish for a great appearance. It doesn’t run or drip. What’s more the General Finishes is pretty easy to apply. With a foam brush, you’re good to go.

Pros

• Offers lustrous finish
• Allows full color control 
• Easy to use and clean
• Doesn’t run or drip

Cons

• Not ideal for other non-wood projects

How to Remove Stain from Plywood

Steps for taking wood stain off plywood:

Step 1: Remove Any Seal Covering the Plywood

This way you get to find out if the stain is just on the surface or if it penetrated the wood. You can remove the seal by sanding it off

Step 2: Mix and Pour Bleach on the Stained Area

If the stain penetrated the wood, then you should get bleach, mix a sufficient amount for the stained area and cover the area with the mixture. Be sure to follow the necessary precautionary methods.

Step 3: Dilute the Plywood

After the stain has been removed, neutralize the wood to ensure that any residual bleach does not cause long-term harm. Rub the area with a quart of water mixed with two tablespoons of baking soda to dilute oxalic acid bleaches. As a neutralizer, add one part white vinegar with two parts water if you’re using peroxide (or A/B bleach). Use distilled water to neutralize chlorine bleach.

Tips for Staining Plywood

What are the tips you need to follow when staining your plywood project? 

Here are some of them:

Tip #1: Test Stain Your Wood

Stains do not always permeate through the plywood, and this is why you need to test stain your piece of wood before applying stain. It is elementary, as it involves using the small portion of the same wood you plan to stain.

Tip #2: Fill All Cracks with Wood Filler

Before applying any pre-stain conditioner, you must do some surface preparation on your plywood to ensure a perfect finish. This means you need to fill the cracks with wood filler and sand the surface before applying a stain.

Tip #3: Stop Edges from Soaking Up Stain

When applying stain, be careful not to go beyond the edges. The plywood houses different laminated pieces of wood, and the edges can quickly soak up like a sponge. If you stay long in the borders, there may be patches of different colors on the wood.

Tip #4: Raise the Grain and Sand Again

When staining your plywood, it will be helpful to raise the grain. You can simply do this by adding moisture to the wood so that the fibers can swell. At this point, the stain you applied will have the same effect as though you used water. After that, sand it and apply a stain.

Tip #5: Sand the Wood Surface with sandpaper

It is advisable to sand your plywood with about 220-grit sandpaper. This way, you can adequately prepare the surface to accept the stain. As stains can easily permeate through the wood if it is thoroughly sanded.

What Is Plywood?

Plywood is a wood material that is manufactured from thin wood coats using pressures-bonded adhesives. The plies of wood veneer produce plywood by gluing adjacent layers together from different angles. Manufacturers spin the wood grain of these plies to 90 degrees.

Plywood is used by woodworkers, builders, contractors, and homeowners. It can be used as a building material for interior and outdoor projects. They also use them for making furniture sets, doors, cabinets, and other projects that require high stability, strength, and durability. 

Benefits of Using Plywood

Why do homeowners and woodworkers prefer plywood over solid and engineered wood types?  

Durability 

Plywood is popular for its strong and durable features. It boasts of uniform strength and capacity to hold out against the shenanigans of in-service stress. Regardless of the angles of the stress, plywood will withstand it, unlike many other engineered or solid woods.

Strength 

Its method of production makes these pressure-bonded plies pretty strong. They are bonded with strong adhesive from various angles, making them cross-grained.

Lightweight

Another benefit of using plywood over solid or engineered wood is its much lighter weight. You can use it for making a wide range of wood projects, including furniture. 

Variety of sizes

Plywood also comes in a wide range of sizes, large, medium, and small. With general lengths and widths of 80 inches and 40 inches respectively, plywood offers more flexibility and limits waste. 

Great look

Plywood comes out greater than manufactured wood when you apply quality veneer. The outer ply of plywood gives your project a quality finish.

Best Plywoods for Staining

There are many staining plywood options out there. We have the birch plywood, pine plywood, marine plywood, phenolic plywood, and more. Generally, plywood is known for its durability and capacity to absorb stain easily. 

The best plywoods for staining are red oak plywood, pine plywood and birch plywood. They share great features that include their powers for even stain absorption.

If you’re going for Oak plywood, the 4-inch x 8-inch sheet of ¾-inch Red Oak plywood stains really well. It comes at a lower cost (about $60). It doesn’t blotch and has no tight grain.      

How to Select Plywood for Staining?

Selecting plywood to stain can be tricky given the variety of pressure-bonded plies that saturate the market. However, if you have the necessary information, you can get over things quickly. There are three ways to select plywood to stain:

• Selection based on wood type or texture
• Selection based on treatment. 
• Selection based on plywood grade

Selection Based on the type of plywood

There are challenging and soft plywood

• Hard Plywood: The surface layer of at least one side of this wood is high-quality hardwood. This is the type of wood used to fabricate furniture and home cabinets. Usually more expensive, more durable, and much easier to stain.
• Soft Plywood: These are the plywood known as home construction grade plywood. They include fir and pine; these are the traditional woods used to improve homes. These woods are cheaper, less durable, and more difficult to stain.

Selection Based on Whether the Wood is Treated or not

• Treated plywood: It is pretty challenging to stain treated wood. It doesn’t mean that you cannot stain treated plywood. But you must ensure that the untreated wood completely dries out before staining it. 
• Untreated plywood: It is much easier to stain untreated plywood. It offers two benefits. First, untreated, stained plywood provides an incredible look and finish. Secondly, it is workable as you’ll enjoy the convenience of the pressure treatment. 

Selection Based on the Plywood Grade

• Grade A: these woods have been sanded smooth and repaired by the manufacturer; they give the best results on staining.
• Grade B: Grade B is similar to Grade A in some areas. It is stainable or paintable and possesses solid surfaces but requires a few repairs.
• Grade C: These have a tight knot and open spaces that require filling
• Grade D: Large, visible knotholes and splits are present. In most cases, no repairs were made by the manufacturer.

FAQs

Final Words: Staining Plywood with the Best Wood Stain

So far, we have given detailed information on how to stain plywood cabinets, floors, walls, and more. The guide also provides us with in-depth ideas on the best stain for plywood. The next time you are going to stain your plywood cabinets, you know what products to get from the saturated market.

However, if you’re not an experienced DIYer, it’s better to hire the service of a professional to do this for you. Saving cost might not be the most reasonable thing to do in the final analysis.

There you go! You can do any project with your plywood and plywood stain.