What do you put over water based stain?

When working with water-based stains, it’s important to seal and protect the stain after application. Water-based stains are more prone to fading, unevenness, and other damage if not properly sealed. There are several options for topcoats and sealers that work well over water-based stains.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is one of the most common and effective choices for sealing water-based stains. Polyurethane forms a protective barrier over the stained wood that helps prevent moisture damage, UV fading, and wear and tear. There are several types of polyurethane that work well:

Oil-based polyurethane – Provides the best protection and most durable finish. Requires mineral spirits for cleanup.

Water-based polyurethane – Lower odor and easier cleanup with water. Not as durable as oil-based.
Satin/semi-gloss polyurethane – Provides some sheen while allowing the wood grain to show through.
High gloss polyurethane – Deep, shiny finish but can look “plastic-like” on some woods.

Most polyurethanes will require 2-3 coats over a stain, lightly sanding between coats. Be sure to allow the recommended drying time between coats. Oil-based polyurethane provides the toughest, most water-resistant seal but water-based is also effective. Use satin or semi-gloss finishes to get the benefits of polyurethane without an overly glossy look.

Applying Polyurethane Over Water-Based Stain

Ensure stain has fully dried per manufacturer directions before applying polyurethane (typically 24-48 hours).
Sand stained surface very lightly with 220 grit sandpaper to ensure smoothness.

Clean surface and remove any dust.
Apply first coat of polyurethane with a good quality natural bristle brush. Follow application directions.
Allow drying per directions (typically overnight).

Lightly sand surface with 220 grit sandpaper to promote adhesion.
Wipe away dust and apply second coat of polyurethane.
Allow full drying time before light sanding and applying additional coats if desired.

Shellac

Shellac is another common topcoat choice over water-based stains. Shellac is made from the resin secreted by the female lac beetle. It dries to a hard, protective finish that resists moisture, stains, scratches and fading. The advantages of shellac include:

Quick dry time – Often dry to the touch in under an hour.
Easy application – Can be applied with a brush, cloth or spray.

Minor surface scratches can be buffed out.
Available in clear, amber and pigmented tones.

Shellac is best applied in thin coats, building up to 2-3 coats for water-based stains. Cooler temperatures may require a slower drying dewaxed shellac. Be sure each coat fully dries before adding another. Shellac brings out depth and clarity of wood grain.

Applying Shellac Over Water-Based Stain

Ensure stain is fully dry before applying shellac.
Using a lint-free cloth, apply a thin, even coat of shellac. Keep it thin.
Allow to dry for 30 minutes to an hour.

Add another thin application of shellac, following the wood grain pattern.
Allow to dry fully, checking for shiny spots that need another thin coat.
Additional coats can be added for desired protection, allowing full drying between coats.

A final wax coat helps provide a smooth feel.

Lacquer

Lacquer makes an excellent sealer over water-based stains due to its fast drying time, durability and scratch resistance. There are a few types of lacquer worth considering:

Nitrocellulose lacquer – Most common and affordable option. Dries fast but can yellow over time.

Acrylic-modified lacquer – Improved water and UV resistance. Low odor and more flexibility.
Catalyzed lacquer – Highly durable and chemical resistant but requires respirator and spray application.

Lacquer brings out the color tones of wood beautifully. It can be applied via brushing, spraying or wiping. Multiple thin coats are better than thick coats. Lacquer dries fast, so apply subsequent coats within 2 hours. It’s also easy to repair and recoat lacquer finishes.

Applying Lacquer Over Water-Based Stain

Allow stain to fully cure 24-48 hours before lacquer application.
Sand surface very lightly with fine sandpaper to ensure smoothness.
Wipe away any dust and debris.

Apply a thin coat of lacquer, following directions and safety precautions.
Let dry fully about 1 hour.
Sand lightly with 320 grit sandpaper.

Repeat process of applying thin coats with light sanding between coats to build desired protection.

Wax

Wax produces a soft natural luster over water stains. Types of wax include:

Beeswax

Carnauba wax
Paraffin wax

Wax is easy to apply with a clean cloth and provides a beautiful low sheen finish. It soaks into the wood pores to protect against moisture, spills and stains. However, wax requires more frequent renewal than harder film finishes. Buffing is required to maintain its luster over time.

Applying Wax Over Water-Based Stain

Ensure stain is completely dry.
Apply a small amount of wax to a clean, soft cloth.
Rub the wax lightly over the stained surface following the wood grain pattern.

Let dry 20 minutes.
Buff surface with a clean cloth to bring out shine.
Apply another coat of wax if desired.

Refresh wax coats every 3-6 months as needed.

Oil

Oil finishes like Danish oil, teak oil or tung oil can also seal and protect water-based stains. Common types include:

Tung oil – From the nut of the tung tree. Offers good water resistance.

Linseed oil – Made from flaxseed oil. Has a long curing time.
Danish oil – Mixture of oil, varnish and solvent. Easy application.

Oils enhance wood grain with a hand-rubbed effect. They soak into the wood pores to add water repellency. Oils get deeper with each application. They dry slower than lacquer or wax and may darken some woods.

Applying Oil Over Water-Based Stain

Ensure stain has fully dried before oil application.
Work oil into wood pores using a clean cloth in the direction of the grain.
Allow oil to fully dry overnight.

Wipe away any excess oil and buff surface.
Apply additional coats every 24 hours for deeper penetration.
3-5 coats usually provides good protection.

Varnish

Varnish is a classic sealer for water-based stains, providing a hard, protective, lustrous finish. Types of varnish include:

Spar varnish – Ideal for outdoor use due to UV resistance.
Polyurethane varnish – Tough and durable indoor protection.

Marine varnish – High water resistance and flexibility.

The oil content in varnish helps it flow on smoothly. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Light sanding between coats helps with adhesion and smoothness. Allow each coat to fully cure before adding another. Varnish brings out the richness of wood grain.

Applying Varnish Over Water-Based Stain

Lightly sand stained surface and wipe away dust particles.

Using a good quality natural bristle brush, apply a thin coat of varnish with smooth strokes.
Allow to dry fully per manufacturer’s directions.
Lightly sand again with fine sandpaper like 220 grit.

Wipe clean and apply another thin coat of varnish.
Repeat process until desired level of protection is achieved.
3-5 coats is typical for good coverage.

Water-Based Finishes

For low-odor, non-flammable protection of water-based stains, water-based finishes are ideal. Types include:

Water-based polyurethane
Water-based varnish

Water-based lacquer

Water-based finishes are comparable to their oil-based counterparts but with easier soap and water cleanup. They provide good protection while allowing the natural wood grain to show through. Multiple thin coats work better than thick coats.

Applying Water-Based Finishes Over Stain

Make sure stain has fully dried before applying water-based finish.

Lightly sand to ensure a smooth surface.
Use a good quality synthetic bristle brush to apply a thin coat following the wood grain.
Let dry 2-3 hours between coats.

Sand lightly and wipe surface clean between coats.
3-5 coats typically provides sufficient protection for interiors.

Choosing the Right Topcoat

With so many good options available, choosing the right topcoat for your water-based stained project requires considering factors like:

Desired finish look – glossy, satin, matte?
Environment of use – indoor, outdoor, high traffic?
Application method – spray, wiping, brush?

VOC and odor sensitivity?
Water and chemical resistance needed?

This comparison table of common water-based stain topcoat options can help narrow down the right choice:

Comparison of Topcoat Options for Water-Based Stains

Topcoat	Finish Look	Application Method	Drying Time	Durability
Polyurethane	Gloss, Satin	Brush, Wipe, Spray	8-24 hrs	Excellent
Lacquer	Gloss, Satin, Matte	Spray, Wipe	1-2 hrs	Very Good
Shellac	Satin, Matte	Wipe, Brush, Spray	0.5-1 hr	Good
Oil	Matte, Satin	Wipe, Rub	24-48 hrs	Good
Wax	Matte, Satin	Wipe, Rub	0.5 hr	Least durable
Varnish	Gloss	Brush, Wipe	8-24 hrs	Excellent
Water-Based	Gloss, Satin	Brush, Wipe	2-3 hrs	Very Good

As this comparison shows, products like polyurethane, varnish and lacquer tend to provide the toughest and most water-resistant protection for wood projects. Oils and waxes provide simpler low-sheen finishes. And water-based options are great low-VOC sealers. Consider the project use, desired look and application method when deciding on the optimal topcoat.

FAQs About Topcoats Over Water-Based Stains

Can I use acrylic over water-based stain?

Yes, acrylic finishes like acrylic lacquer or acrylic polyurethane work well over water-based stains. Acrylics provide good durability and water resistance while allowing the wood grain to show through. Use multiple thin coats for best results.

How long do I have to wait to topcoat water-based stain?

Most water-based stains require 24-48 hours drying time before applying a topcoat. Check your stain manufacturer’s directions. Cool humid conditions may require longer drying times.

Is polyurethane or lacquer better over stain?

Both polyurethane and lacquer make excellent topcoats over stains, providing durable protection. Polyurethane is more water resistant. Lacquer dries faster but can yellow over time. For outdoor use, polyurethane has the advantage.

Can you use water based polyurethane over stain?

Yes, water-based polyurethane works very well over both water-based and oil-based wood stains. It provides good protection while allowing the wood grain to show through nicely. Multiple coats are recommended for best durability.

How many coats of polyurethane do you need over stain?

For adequate protection over stain, 3-5 coats of polyurethane applied with light sanding between coats is ideal. Thin coats are better than thick coats. Allow each coat to fully cure before adding the next one.

Conclusion

Sealing water-based stained wood projects is an important step to protect them and make them last. Polyurethane, lacquer, shellac, varnish, wax, oil and water-based finishes can all work well over water-based stains. Consider the type of protection needed, desired finish appearance, application method and drying time when selecting the right topcoat for your project.

Proper preparation like sanding and cleaning along with applying multiple thin topcoat layers while allowing proper drying between coats helps ensure beautiful results. The right protective topcoat preserves the beauty of water-based stained wood for years to come.