Can You Mix Wood Stain With Epoxy? My Biggest Secret

Author:

Published:

Updated:

man pouring wood stain

Affiliate Disclaimer: I only endorse products I have personally used or come highly recommended by trusted peers. If you grab anything I mention using our referral links, I may get a small commission from Amazon or other third party sites at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Epoxy is a popular choice for finishing wood projects. It can be used to create a durable and glossy finish that is resistant to scratches and water damage. However, some people are unsure whether they can mix wood stain with epoxy.

You can mix wood stain with epoxy. Many people do it to create a more unique and interesting finish for their projects. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when you are mixing these two products.

In this blog post, I will explore the options for staining your epoxy-finished project, and I will also reveal our biggest secret for creating an unbeatable finish.

How To Mix Wood Stain with Epoxy

Mix Wood Stain with Epoxy
The image shows wood stain and epoxy.

You can mix wood stain with epoxy in a few different ways.

  1. The most popular method is to add the wood stain to the epoxy before you apply it to your project. This will allow you to create a more consistent finish.
  2. Another way to mix wood stain with epoxy is to apply the epoxy first and then add the wood stain on top. This method is more popular with people who want to create a unique finish.
  3. The final way to mix wood stain with epoxy is to apply the wood stain first and then add the epoxy on top. This method is less popular because it can be challenging to get a consistent finish.

How To Add the Wood Stain to the Epoxy Before You Apply It

To mix wood stain and epoxy, follow these steps:

Step One: Add Wood Stain to the Epoxy

Before adding any other ingredients, you should add the wood stain to the epoxy. This will help to ensure that the stain is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step Two: Mix Thoroughly

Once you have added the wood stain to the epoxy, mix thoroughly. You want to ensure the stain is completely mixed in with the epoxy. Use a paddle mixer and be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of your bucket thoroughly.

Step Three: Apply to Your Project

Once you have mixed the wood stain and epoxy together, you can apply them to your project. Use a brush or roller to spread the mixture over the surface of your project evenly.

Step Four: Allow the Mixture to Dry

Applying Epoxy Over Stained Wood

Once you have applied the mixture to your project, allow it to dry. This process can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Once the mixture has dried, you can enjoy your newly finished project!

If you want to add a layer of protection to your stained wood, you can apply epoxy over the top. This will create a durable and glossy finish that is resistant to scratches and water damage.

The video shows applying epoxy over stain.

Add the Wood Stain to the Epoxy

I tried to put Epoxy Over Linseed Oil. Does It Work? Here is what I found out!

To apply epoxy over stained wood, follow these steps:

Step One: Sand the Surface

Before applying the epoxy, you should sand the surface of the wood. To sand the surface, use fine-grit sandpaper. This will help to create a smooth surface for the epoxy to adhere to.

Step Two: Clean the Surface

After sanding, you should clean the surface of the wood. This will remove any dust or debris that was created during the sanding process. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface.

Step Three: Apply the Stain

Once you have sanded and cleaned the surface of the wood, you can apply the stain. To apply the stain, use a brush or roller. Apply the stain evenly over the surface of the wood.

Step Four: Allow the Stain to Dry

After applying the stain, you should allow it to dry. This process can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Once the stain has dried, you can apply the epoxy.

Step Five: Apply Epoxy

To apply the epoxy:

  • Use a brush or roller.
  • Apply the epoxy evenly over the surface of the wood.
  • Allow the epoxy to dry for 24 to 48 hours before using your newly finished project.

Can You Add Wood Stain to Epoxy Resin?

apply stain

You can add wood stain to epoxy resin. The key is to add the wood stain to the epoxy before you apply it to your project. This will help to ensure that the stain is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

The video shows staining over resin.

When adding wood stain to epoxy resin, it is important to mix thoroughly. You want to make sure that the stain is completely mixed in with the epoxy. Once you have mixed the wood stain and epoxy together, you can apply them to your project.

If you want to add a layer of protection to your stained wood, you can apply epoxy over the top. This will create a durable and glossy finish that is resistant to scratches and water damage.

You should check out my article Should You Sand Wood After Staining? The Solution!

What Stain Work with Epoxy?

There are a variety of stains that work with epoxy. Alcohol and water-based stains are the best options because they will dry fast. In around 24 hours, the epoxy coat can be applied over them.

It takes a long time for oil-based stains, like Minwax, to dry completely. If you use these types of stains, you will have to wait at least 72 hours before applying the epoxy coat.

The key is finding a stain compatible with the epoxy you are using. You can typically find this information on the epoxy label or the manufacturer’s website.

Once you have found a compatible stain, you can add it to the epoxy and mix thoroughly. Once the stain is mixed in with the epoxy, you can apply it to your project.

Here is my ultimate guide: Step-by-Step: How To Stain Wood To Be Lighter! Be sure to check it out!

The Best Way to Apply Epoxy Over Stained Wood

To achieve the best results, I recommend applying epoxy in thin coats. This will help to prevent any bubbles from forming in the mixture. It is also important to allow each coat of epoxy to dry completely before you apply the next one.

Applying multiple thin coats of epoxy will create a smooth and glossy finish. It will also provide added protection against scratches and water damage.

I compiled a detailed Step-by-Step: How To Fix Too Much Stain On Wood. Read my full article!

Will Stain Color Epoxy?

Stain will not color epoxy. However, you can add pigment to the epoxy to achieve a variety of colors. Adding pigment to epoxy is the best way to achieve a consistent finish.

The pigment is available in a variety of colors. You can find it at your local hardware store or online. To add pigment to epoxy, simply mix it in with the epoxy until you achieve the desired color.

Once you have mixed the pigment and epoxy together, you can apply them to your project.

Adding pigment to epoxy is a great way to achieve your project’s unique and custom finish. You can also add glitter to epoxy to create a sparkly finish.

How Do You Stain Wood with Epoxy?

The best way to stain wood with epoxy is to add the wood stain to the epoxy before you apply it to your project. This will help to ensure that the stain is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Stain Wood with Epoxy

When adding wood stain to epoxy, it is important to mix thoroughly. You want to make sure that the stain is completely mixed in with the epoxy. Once you have mixed the wood stain and epoxy together, you can apply them to your project.

If you want to add a layer of protection to your stained wood, you can apply epoxy over the top. This will create a durable and glossy finish that is resistant to scratches and water damage.

How Long After Stain Can You Apply Epoxy?

It is best to wait 24 hours after staining wood before applying the epoxy. This will give the stain time to dry completely.

If you apply epoxy over a wet stain, it can cause the stain to bleed through the epoxy. This will result in an uneven finish.

To avoid this, simply wait until the stain is completely dry before applying the epoxy. Once the stain is dry, you can add it to the epoxy and mix thoroughly. Once the stain is mixed in with the epoxy, you can apply it to your project.

Do You Need to Seal Wood Before Epoxy?

You do not need to seal the wood before epoxy. However, if you want to achieve a glossy finish, I recommend applying a layer of polyurethane before adding epoxy.

Applying this must-buy polyurethane will create a smooth surface for the epoxy to adhere to. It will also provide added protection against scratches and water damage.

1 gal Minwax 13333 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000PSF9Q2&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wwh064 20&language=en USir?t=wwh064 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B000PSF9Q2
  • Protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets.
  • Ideal for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch.
  • Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this satin clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers an attractive, classic sheen for a modern and subtle look.
  • 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

To apply polyurethane, simply brush it on in thin, even coats. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely before you apply epoxy over the top.

Final Thoughts – Can You Mix Wood Stain With Epoxy?

You can mix wood stain with epoxy to create a unique and custom finish. You can either add the wood stain to the epoxy before you apply it to your project, or you can apply it over the top of the stain. Adding pigment to epoxy is a great way to achieve your project’s unique and custom finish.

You can also add glitter to epoxy to create a sparkly finish. I hope you found this information helpful! Thanks for reading.

About the author

Latest Posts

  • Maximizing Savings with Bulk Purchase of Wooden Cutting Boards for Your Restaurant

    Maximizing Savings with Bulk Purchase of Wooden Cutting Boards for Your Restaurant

    Running a successful restaurant business requires a delicate balance between offering top-notch culinary experiences and managing operational costs. One often overlooked but significant way to save money is by purchasing wooden cutting boards in bulk for your staff. These humble yet essential tools are the unsung heroes of any kitchen, and opting for cost-effective options…

    Read more

  • Top 5 Best Portable Table Saw For Fine Woodworking

    Top 5 Best Portable Table Saw For Fine Woodworking

    Are you struggling to find the perfect portable table saw for your fine woodworking projects? I know exactly how daunting that can be, having faced the same hurdle once upon a time. After many years of working as a contractor, I have used many table saws and so I decided to identify the best portable…

    Read more

  • How To Remove Sticky Residue From Wood Table Top (It Works)

    How To Remove Sticky Residue From Wood Table Top (It Works)

    I totally get it. That unsightly sticky residue on your beautiful wooden table top just isn’t fun, is it? But how to remove sticky residue from wood table top without causing damage? After much research and plenty of experiments — some successful, others not so much — I’ve compiled quite a variety of methods to…

    Read more