Blue wood stain does an excellent job of bringing out the wood’s grain pattern. It is one of the most beautiful and popular options for its richness and ability to accentuate the wood’s natural beauty and match most décors.
You can normally use blue wood stain on a wide range of interior and exterior surfaces, including furniture, fence, and wooden wall art.
A good blue wood stain can transform a project with its various hues suitable for different applications. So, should you consider using a blue stain on your next woodworking project?
Here is everything you need to know about the blue wood stain.
What is Blue Wood Stain?
Blue wood stain is an oil-based, water-based, or gel stain available in blue, mainly fast-drying formulations. People love it, particularly for how it accentuates the wood grain, making the project look unique and beautiful.
The stain typically gives off a smooth appearance or rustic look that many furniture lovers find greatly appealing. It is particularly great for projects that require a rustic finish.
The stain will do an excellent job of penetrating deep into the wood and changing its color to allow the grain pattern to show more prominently. This quality makes it ideal for woods like oak that have beautiful grain.
What is Blue Stain for Wood Used For?
The blue wood stain has a wide range of uses for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Its most common applications include applying the rustic farmhouse table finish to dining tables, dressers, entertainment stands, cabinetry, coffee tables, shelving, patio furniture, accent pieces, fences, and decks.
Ideally, a blue stain for wood is perfect for virtually any piece of furniture.
However, it typically does not excel on hardwood floors, especially due to the bold nature of the blue color. So it is common to find blue stain for wood mixed with another compatible stain color such as grey in hardwood flooring.
Most blue stain brands also do not formulate it for the high foot traffic associated with hardwood floors. No wonder we rarely see blue stained wood floors.
Blue wood stain tends to add a beautiful rustic charm to wooden items, which often meshes well with most décors.
You can opt for a smooth, bright color for your finish if you are not into rustic finishes. The stain also excels at complementing other colors in indoor or outdoor spaces.
For instance, interior designers often pair rustic blue colors with yellow or grey pieces to complete the look of modern living rooms. Pairing rustic blue tables with dark hardwood floors is common in today’s interior design practice.
Blue Wood Stain Colors & Usage
Choosing the right blue wood stain color for your project can be tricky. With so many different shades of blue to choose from, it can be tough to figure out which one will look best in your space.
Fortunately, we’ll help you select the perfect blue wood stain color for your needs
1. Navy blue wood stain – Unicorn SPiT Gel Stain and Glaze
Navy blue wood stain is in between blue and black, making it closely resemble black wood stain. It typically pairs nicely with different shades of orange, red, yellow, green, purple, etc. It works wonderfully with different tints of these colors.
Navy blue is one of the most versatile shades of blue wood stain. This quality makes it a very popular stain color and a favorite of many professionals and DIYers.
- Turn ordinary objects into personalized masterpieces! ideal for creating new - or - refinishing thousands of projects. Excellent for crafters, makers, hobbyists, DIYers and pros too
- Paint, gel stain and glaze in one! 10 vibrant colors! Jasmine scented
- Make your project as opaque or vibrant as your dreams require. Use as a paint or dilute with water to create a gel, glaze, stain, white wash or antiquing tint
Navy blue stain does an excellent job of bringing out the wood grain pattern. It forms a sophisticated look in cabinets, TV stands, dining tables, and chairs that can be amazing in a room.
You can also use it on patio chairs with tremendous success. This Unicorn gel stain can be a perfect choice if you are a crafter.
Its formula consists of paint, a gel stain, and a glaze in one product. And it is available in 10 vibrant colors that you can pair to create good, spectacular 3-dimensional effects.
The unique formula penetrates unfinished wood while also creating a robust firm on the surface. This makes the navy blue stain extremely durable.
2. Weathered blue wood stain – Rust-Oleum Varathane Weathered Wood
A weathered blue wood stain is a light-colored wood stain that gives off a rustic, ocean-like look on your wood’s surface. This makes it stand out nicely.
If you want your wooden chairs or tables to wear an oceanic charm and make your living space pop with color, a weathered blue wood stain may be the best place to look.
- For interior use on bare or untreated wood to create a weathered look
- Water-based, low odor formula with easy soap and water clean up
- Dries to the touch in 1 hour and covers up to 275 sq ft depending on wood Type and porosity
The product instantly transforms your wood with a worn appearance that looks beautifully antique and vintage. It is the best blue wood stain for anyone who loves a rustic or vintage look with a splash of color in their homes.
This Rust-Oleum Varathane weathered wood stain excels in creating that weathered look on bare or untreated wood. It is formulated to replicate wood’s natural aging process, making anything you apply it on look antique.
You can pair it with other blues or opt instead for various shades of green or grey to bring a vintage vibe to your living space.
3. Blue-green wood stain – Luminos Stain Protector
As the name suggests, the blue-green stain color falls somewhere between green and blue. This stain color belongs to the cyan color family.
It is typically used to create a calming ambiance, making it perfect for patio furniture where you sit to rest with your family. You could also use it for wall art or paneling to bring that calming effect indoors.
- Bio-Water-Based exterior wood protector, formulated with pigments that enhace their vibrancy in the sun. Protects wood from UV rays, rain, frost, and humidity. Water-repellent
- Cala Saona is inspired by the color of the waters of the island of Formentera. It is a turquoise blue with greenish tones, very transparent and bright. It is a fresh color that highlights wood grain. Due to its characteristics, it is ideal to apply on light woods. Apply one or two coats depending on the intensity of the color you like. The final color depends on the natural color of the wood.
- 100% recyclable metal jar with screw cap, easy storage.
Staining your living room furniture with this color will make the space more welcoming and beautiful. The Luminos Stain Protector does an excellent job of creating that effect.
This water-based exterior-grade wood protector is formulated for the wild outdoor space. It contains pigments that perfectly enhance the vibrancy of your patio furniture in the sun.
It boasts a high level of sun protection, keeping the sun’s UV radiation from discoloring your project. It also protects your furniture from rain, frost, and mold damage with its water-repelling quality.
4. Light blue wood stain – Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain
- Ideal for use on all interior wood projects: furniture, cabinets, doors, trim and paneling
- One-coat coverage, fast-drying oil based formula
- Dries to the touch in just 1 hour and covers up to 275 square feet
The light blue color is a pale shade of blue. It exudes a sense of peace and calm and promotes feelings of tranquility in any space you use it. This is why light blue is often used as a background color in rooms.
A room with light blue walls is sure to have a peaceful ambiance and a gentle appearance. Light blue is a popular, versatile color that you see in logos such as the HP computing company and Skype.
Think of it as the best way to bring the sky into your living space. It makes for a great alternative to darker shades of blue that could look gloomy when used in plenty.
Light blue pairs nicely with a range of colors and look striking next to darker shades of blue. Consider using it to stain wooden paneling, then adorn the room with crisp whites, gentle purples, soft pink, cream, and even rose to complete the look.
This light blue wood stain is ideal because it dries pretty fast and works perfectly for all interior wood projects with one coat coverage.
5. Dark blue stain – Luminos Cold Ocean Outdoor Finish
- Bio water-based wood stain. Wooden protector for exterior, reflective of IR rays. Protects wood from UV, IR, rain, frost, and fungus.Water-repellentt. Reflects infrared rays that cause surface heating, keeping the surface cooler.
- Ocean Blue is a color between dark blues and bluish blacks. Apply one or two coats depending on the intensity of the color you like. The final color depends on the natural color of the wood.
- 100% recyclable metal jar with screw cap, easy storage.
Dark Blue is a deep, blue shade that many people often confuse with navy blue. While the two are close, they are not exactly the same.
The color is commonly associated with authority, knowledge, and reliability. This is why many insurance departments, banks, and investment firms around the world like to use it in their branding.
For interior décor, people often match dark blue furniture with brighter colors such as mustard yellow, cherry red, bright pink, and metallic gold to create elegant, amazing combinations based on availability.
For a DIY wood stain project, find a color that is directly opposite blue on the wheel to match it. You could never go wrong with orange, pink, or red.
You want that fiery hue of the bright color to introduce warmth that naturally balances the cool depth of dark blue. The lighter shades make beautiful accent colors that stand up well against the dark color.
This dark blue wood stain is safe for you, your family, and the environment. because it uses non-toxic ingredients.
It protects your patio furniture and other outdoor wood projects from UV rays, frost, rain, and fungi.
6. Vintage blue wood stain – Retique It Water-Based Gel Stain
- [VERSATILE HYBRID TECHNOLOGY] New Nano-technology makes this the most Versatile gel stain & glaze on the market
- [GEL STAIN] - This thin gel stain rides over an existing finish just like a typical gel stain
- [WOOD STAIN] - Thin enough to absorb into unfinished wood like a traditional wood stain
This organic color comprises a natural balance of blue, green, and subtle gray undertones. It is an aqua shade that naturally soothes the mood and creates a calm atmosphere.
Vintage blue stain can make an ordinary wood look pretty luxurious. It also allows for limitless possibilities for matching it to create a beautiful interior or exterior décor.
If you are a DIY fan, your options for pairing this color for your next stain project are limitless. Consider pairing this color with off-white or pink to spice things up and create a feeling of opulence.
This water-based gel stain from Retique is a perfect way to go vintage blue. Whether you are adding a touch of character to a new piece of furniture or refurbishing some wooden art, this gel stain allows you to maintain the wood’s inherent beauty.
7. Teal blue wood stain – Luminos LUM1104 Outdoor Wood Finish
- Bio-Water-Based exterior wood protector, formulated with pigments that enhace their vibrancy in the sun. Protects wood from UV rays, rain, frost, and humidity. Water-repellent
- Mosaic Blue is inspired by the shades of blue seen in many antique ceramics and mosaics. Apply one or two coats depending on the intensity of the color you like. The final color depends on the natural color of the wood.
- 100% recyclable metal jar with screw cap, easy storage.
Teal is a deep blue-green color that resembles cyan closely, except it is darker. Some people often refer to it as turquoise, which may not always be accurate because it is darker than the turquoise blue color.
Suppose you mix a green wood stain with blue stain; the resulting stain is teal blue. Additionally, notice that teal blue is easier on the eyes than cyan because of its relatively low saturation of the brighter hues and more of the blue shades.
A teal blue dye can transform wooden doors or windows into soothing and welcoming entry points. We picked this outdoor wood finish from Luminos because of how easily it evokes thoughts of dense jungles and tropical lagoons.
It perfectly creates the color prevalent in numerous places in nature, including peacock feathers. Against this backdrop, it is just perfect that this water-based wood finish combines pigment and protector in one product formulated for use outdoors.
8. Blue-gray stain – PureColor Wood Stain
- Stain That’s Ready To Use, Right Out Of The Box - No more guessing what’s still in the bottom of an old stain can. PureColor wood stains are ready to use right out of the box. Our bag-in-box system lets you see when it's properly mixed. Gently agitate the bag until the colors are fully mixed, pour just what you need into a handy container, and stain.
- PureColor’s vivid, low VOC water-based finishes highlight wood’s natural beauty - The finer, higher-quality pigment we began using as the base of our new formulas give PureColor products a distinct advantage when it comes to staining wood surfaces. PureColor’s deeper penetration results in dramatic dimensionality and deep, rich, striking color
- Easy Clean Up - PureColor stains clean up with soap and water, you can use just about anything to hold your colors while you’re creating your masterpiece.
Blue-gray is a color that falls between gray and blue. This medium bluish-gray shade is also referred to as livid. Blue-grey wood stains deliever outstanding outdoor wood projects.
The bold hues seamlessly mesh with the outdoor environment, making it a natural choice for staining a deck or patio. This PureColor wood finish is our editor’s choice for blue grey stain because of how deeply pigmented it is.
The blue dye comes in a water-based formulation, making it low VOC and non-toxic. It is an eco-friendly wood stain that keeps you from damaging the environment around your home.
You can use it on all interior wood projects, including cabinets, doors, trim, and paneling. And since it is easy to use and easy to clean, it won’t matter whether you are a fresh DIYer or an experienced pro.
9. Bright blue wood stain – PureColor Brilliant Blue Wood Stain
- Stain That’s Ready To Use, Right Out Of The Box - No more guessing what’s still in the bottom of an old stain can. PureColor wood stains are ready to use right out of the box. Our bag-in-box system lets you see when it's properly mixed. Gently agitate the bag until the colors are fully mixed, pour just what you need into a handy container, and stain.
- PureColor’s vivid, low VOC water-based finishes highlight wood’s natural beauty - The finer, higher-quality pigment we began using as the base of our new formulas give PureColor products a distinct advantage when it comes to staining wood surfaces. PureColor’s deeper penetration results in dramatic dimensionality and deep, rich, striking color
- Easy Clean Up - PureColor stains clean up with soap and water, you can use just about anything to hold your colors while you’re creating your masterpiece.
You may find a bright blue wood stain utterly appealing if you are not afraid to go bold with your décor. A brightly stained blue table can be a beautiful and bold addition to your kitchen or dining area.
The color is not limited to interior projects either. Some people use it to create bold outdoor wood projects.
It can be a great way to introduce a vibrant vibe to your outdoor space, making your patio, garden, or backyard lively and ready for the summer.
You could also use the bright blue dye to create accent pieces of furniture that add a splash of color to your living room or draw attention to a specific area of your home.
For instance, this PureColor brilliant blue wood stain is perfect for decorating your kids’ room or play area. It is non-toxic, low VOC, and odorless, making it ideal for these projects.
Related Posts: Best Black Wood Stains
What Exterior Blue Wood Stains are There?
Various shades of blue wood stain are available for outdoor projects. Blue exterior wood stains are some of the most popular, especially for coastal areas where they help accentuate the vibrant vibe.
Popular blue wood dyes for exterior projects include navy blue and royal blue. These are frequently used for siding to create perfect symmetry and bold outdoor space.
Teal blue and vintage blue colors are especially common around pool areas. Covering your siding in vintage blue shades can create an oceanic vibe in your home, making it appear calm and welcoming.
Royal blue fences are a common sight in many places and homes. They give off a contemporary and lively vibe that is ideal for those who love spending time outdoors.
What Interior Blue Wood Stains are There?
The options for interior blue wood stains are limitless. For example, you could use bright blue, navy blue, or royal blue stain colors to create accent pieces that add a splash of color to your kitchen or living room.
Such bright blue colors are also great for decorating a kid’s room or play area. Or pair them with complementing colors in furniture pieces to create a vibrant indoor space.
You could also go with darker shades of blue such as blue-grey or vintage blue to make a bold statement.
Lighter shades of blue, such as teal blue, weathered blue, or blue-green shades can also be perfect for introducing some rustic charm into your indoor space.
How to Use Blue Wood Stain
To finish a piece of wood or wooden item with a blue stain, visit a home improvement store and collect all the materials you will need. Ideally, these will include the following items.
What you will need
- Sandpapers (Here’s the best sandpaper for wood that I recommend)
- Tack cloth
- Wood stain
- Pre-stain conditioner
- Applicators, such as paintbrushes or cotton clothes ( here is the best deck stain applicator that I recommend)
- Tarp
- Hand gloves
Using blue wood stain step by step
- Once you have everything within arm’s reach, lay a tarp beneath your project to collect the debris and any spills.
- Next, sand the wood surface until it is smooth to the touch. You may want to start with coarse 120-grit sandpaper for a finished piece and 80-grit sandpaper for the unfinished wood. Then switch to 180-grit sandpaper for final sanding.
- After sanding, wipe the sanding dust with a tack cloth and let it dry.
- Wear a pair of gloves and apply the pre-stain wood conditioner with a paintbrush or cotton cloth according to the instructions on the label. Remember to wipe the excess product.
- Once the conditioner is dry, apply the stain with a clean paintbrush or cloth. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe the excess.
- Finally, apply a sealant to protect your blue-stained wood.
In case you want a darker color, here’s how to stain wood furniture darker.
Blue Wood Stain vs. Painting Wood Blue
Staining and painting can both transform your wood, but they are not the same. Here are the main ways blue stained wood furniture differs from blue painted counterpart.
- Stain works by penetrating the wood. In contrast, the paint sits on the wood surface. So you can remove the paint by scratching it out while the stain penetrates deep into the wood pores, so a mere scratch will not remove it.
- Wood stain is not subject to peeling. While peeling and chipping can lead to losing the paint on a project, wood stain is more durable in this regard. It is not subject to peeling or chipping.
- Wood stain does not conceal the grain pattern. Instead, it makes it pop by coloring the grain. On the other hand, painting comes at the price of concealing the wood grain. It forms a film on the wood surface.
- Stain tends to provide a more natural look by distributing the pigment into the wood’s structure. However, paint can look unnatural by forming a bright coat on the wood.
Important Read: What’s the Difference Between Gel Stain and Regular Stain
FAQs
Can wood be stained blue?
Yes, wood can be stained blue in many styles. Various shades of blue are available for use on wood to create limitless types of interior and exterior projects.
Is there a navy blue gel stain
Leading stain brands like Minwax have different gel stains sold at different prices; one of these is navy blue. This stain color can be paired with complementing shades to create stunning wood stain projects.
How to make blue wood stain
To make a blue wood stain, you could use a mixture of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, and copper to make a beautiful Caribbean blue stain. The procedure and ingredients, in this case, will vary depending on the shade you want to create.
Is there an indigo wood stain
Yes. Indigo is one of the many wood stain colors that various wood stain brands offer their products in.
Check out our guide on staining wood red.
What does it mean when the wood is blue?
The wood can be blue due to fungi growing in sapwood and using parts of the wood for food. While this discoloration is not a stage of decay, the conditions that favor blue staining also very often lead to infection with fungi that cause decay.
Is there any blue wood?
Yes. There are blue hardwood species from Talipariti elatum called the Blue Mahoe tree. The tree is claimed to grow pretty quickly, making it likely to be sustainable.
What is the Best Blue deck Stain?
Some of the most popular blue deck stain colors include navy blue, royal blue, and sky blue. However, you may also want to consider light blues like baby blue or powder blue if your deck is made from a lighter-colored wood like pine or cedar.
Final Thoughts on Blue Stain for Wood
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about staining wood blue. We’ve also looked at the various shades of blue wood stain and their respective use areas.
We hope it gives you the valuable insights you need to succeed in your next project.
Please feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below, as we always love hearing from our readers.
Now check out our next article on Varathane or Minwax to know the differences between the two.