Instructions on How to Stain Knotty Alder

If you want to use rustic knotty alder for renovations in your home, such as molding, door panels, window framing or even for flooring, you likely want to retain the textured look of the wood's grain while enhancing the color of the wood with stain. Staining is not a hard process, but to get great results you cannot simply brush on and then wipe off the stain. You must first sand the wood and then complete preparations necessary to get the most out of your wood stain.

Sandpaper
Cotton rags
Mineral spirits
Paint brush or sponge

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the surface of the knotty alder with sandpaper ranging between 150 and 220 grit to open the pores in the wood. The rougher the sandpaper, the more pores you will open. This will give you a rustic appearance to your alder. If you desire a refined look, use finer grit sandpaper.
- 2
  Wipe the alder down with a clean cotton rag wetted with mineral spirits. This removes dust from the pores. The mineral spirits also helps to raise the fibers of the wood. This helps the wood accept the stain better. Allow the wood several minutes to dry to its natural color.
- 3
  Apply the stain in even strokes with a brush, or sponge. Overlap each stroke by 50 percent to ensure adequate coverage.
- 4
  Wipe the stain off after approximately 30 minutes with a clean cotton rag. If you leave the stain on for a shorter period, the stain will appear more translucent and more wood grain will shine through for a rustic feel. If you leave the stain on longer, the color of the wood will darken and provide a solid appearance.
- 5
  Add a second coat of stain just as you added the first if you desire a darker appearance.

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