Stain

Staining is an important step in furniture and cabinet making when it comes to finishing wooden surfaces. It emphasises the natural grain, changes the colour effect and provides individual design options – without covering up the character of the wood. Stain plays a particularly important role in custom-made cabinets, as it has a decisive influence on the appearance and effect of the piece of furniture.

What is wood stain?

Wood stain is a special liquid that is applied to wooden surfaces to change or intensify their colour. Unlike varnish or paint, wood stain does not form a closed layer, but penetrates the pores of the wood.

This creates a particularly natural and lively appearance , in which the grain of the wood remains visible. Staining is mainly used on furniture that is to be given a high-quality wood look – whether light, dark, modern or classic.

Why is wood stained?

Pickling not only serves to change the colour, but also has several functions:

Design: Stain gives wood a new colour effect without covering its structure.
Harmonisation: Different sections of wood can be colour-matched.
Finishing: The grain is highlighted and emphasised.
Individualisation: Each cabinet is given a personal touch – from light Scandinavian to deep dark and elegant.

What types of stain are there?

Different types of stain are used depending on the desired effect and type of wood. Here is an overview of the most important ones:

water stain

classic and environmentally friendly
penetrates deep into the wood
provides intense, natural colours
particularly suitable for open-pored woods such as oak or ash

solvent pickle

dries faster than water-based stain
produces even, opaque colour gradients
Ideal for woods with a dense structure, e.g. beech or maple

combination stain

combines the advantages of water-based and solvent-based pickling agents
Uniform colouring with reduced roughness of the wood surface

Effect or colour stain

for special looks such as shades of grey, white or black
is often used in modern furniture

How is stain applied?

Pickling requires craftsmanship and experience to achieve a consistent result.

Typical procedure:

Preparation:

The wooden surface is finely sanded, and dust and residues are removed.

Applying the stain:

The stain is spread evenly with a brush, sponge or sprayer.

Let it sink in:

The stain penetrates the wood fibres and colours the material from the inside.

Wiping / finishing:

Excess stain is removed to achieve an even finish.

Drying:

After pickling, the wood is dried before being oiled, waxed or varnished.

This creates a surface that appears vibrant, durable and unique.

Where is stain used in cabinet construction?

Wood stain is used in many areas of furniture and interior design.

Fronts and visible sides

To match wood colours to the style of the room – e.g. warm natural tones in the living room or dark, elegant surfaces in the bedroom.

Carcasses and interior surfaces

With open shelves or glass display cabinets, stain ensures a harmonious overall appearance.

Combination with other materials

Stain can be perfectly combined with glass, metal or lacquer – particularly popular in modern, custom-made cabinet designs.

What are the advantages of stained wood?

A stained cabinet combines a natural look with creative freedom.

The advantages at a glance:

Natural wood structure remains visible
Individual colour design from light to dark
Emphasises the grain and adds depth to the surface
Can be combined with varnish, oil or wax
Durable and easy to maintain thanks to subsequent surface treatment
Unique appearance – no two pieces of wood look the same

This results in an enormous variety of design options, especially in customised construction – from modern black tones to classic walnut finishes.

Which types of wood are suitable for staining?

Not all wood reacts the same way to stain. The following are particularly suitable:

Oak: Emphasises grain and pores particularly strongly.
Beech: Absorbs stain evenly, producing warm colours.
Ash: Ideal for modern, grey or white stains.
Maple: Suitable for subtle colour changes.
Spruce/pine: Often need to be pre-treated before staining to prevent staining.

Custom-made cabinets made from these woods can be colour-matched to other furniture or floor coverings.

What surface treatments follow after pickling?

After pickling, the wood is open-pored and needs protection. Typical after-treatments are:

Oiling: for a matt, natural finish.
Waxing: emphasises the colour and gives a gentle shine.
Varnishing: provides a closed, easy-care protective layer.

The choice depends on the desired look and the wear and tear on the piece of furniture.

Stain in modern furniture making

Staining is no longer just a traditional process. In modern, custom-made furniture construction , it is used specifically to create natural yet stylish accents.

Scandinavian designs favour light, white or grey-treated stains.
Industrial styles use dark tones such as anthracite, espresso or black.
Classic interiors favour warm shades such as walnut or mahogany.

Stained wood looks particularly elegant when combined with clean lines and minimalist shapes.

Care of stained surfaces

Care depends on the final treatment, but is generally straightforward:

Dust with a soft cloth.
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or microfibre cloths.
Re-oil oiled surfaces occasionally to refresh the colour and protection.
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent colour changes.

This will keep the surface of your stained cabinet looking beautiful and vibrant for a long time.

Further interesting articles for further reading

Would you like to learn more about stained furniture or have your own cabinet customised?

Then submit your non-binding online enquiry now. A Cabinethero partner or the head office in Nuremberg will then contact you personally to arrange an appointment for consultation and measurement. This is how your custom-made cupboard is created – with a surface, colour and character exactly as you want it.