Acacia wood is an excellent choice for furniture, wood flooring, and other projects.
It’s durable and strong with an attractive reddish hue. Acacia wood can be stained in different colors, such as blue stain. You can stain it light yellow or dark brown depending on the type of stain applied.
This article will outline how to stain acacia wood like a pro.
What is Acacia Wood?
Acacia wood is a type of hardwood that comes from Africa, Asia, and Australia. The wood has a unique color to it. It is golden yellow when polished, and the darker veins are also pretty.
Acacia Woods can be used for pretty much anything you want because it’s naturally antibacterial – from furniture to quality wooden bed frames, hardwood flooring, finished wood beams, musical instruments, and even as a construction material.
In fact, acacia wood is popular for furniture in China because it has a high density and helps keep homes from being damaged by earthquakes.
Acacia Wood has a density rating between 0.75 to 0.85 which means you can efficiently work with it and get good, sturdy finished products like wood beams.
One of the main disadvantages of acacia wood is that you have to treat it regularly to keep insects from attacking the wood. Otherwise, all of the benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience for most customers.
Can Acacia Wood Be stained?
Yes, you can stain acacia wood. But not all stains are appropriate for their natural beauty and texture. Staining acacia wood will bring out the grain and accentuate its natural finish. Acacia staining can be done with oil stains, water-based dyes and pigmented waxes like Minwax Wood Finish Stain.
Although acacia wood may be stained, it is usually more complicated and seldom worthwhile if the wood looks good on its own.
That’s the reason you don’t see many folks staining Acacia wood very often. Instead, they frequently choose a different wood finish to enhance the natural grain.
The grain of several Acacia wood species has a wide variety of appearances.
Some Acacia tree species like Hawaiian koa have a straight-grained appearance, while others exhibit wavy or interlocked grain patterns when quartersawn.
If you prefer the look of natural wood, a wood finish is probably a better choice for you.
Acacia Wood Stain Colors
Acacia wood comes in various hues or colors, from golden brown to reddish-brown and even deep rich brown colors.
This means that the hue of your acacia wood determines the color you choose for your stain. For example, the darker colors may be easily stained to resemble walnut’s dark rich tones, but the lighter colors require more work. Here is more on redwood stain colors.
Read Also: Green Wood Stain Colors
Does Acacia Wood Stain Well?
Yes, acacia wood will take stain well if you apply the stain correctly. However, it is important to note that Acacia wood does not absorb stain the same way other woods do.
To stain acacia wood, start with light sanding. Raise the wood grain with a hand sander and then sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper.
After you have prepared the acacia wood, apply an oil-based stain in a thin coat using a lint-free cloth or brush that has been dipped in clean thinner. After the first coat has dried completely, you can add a second coat.
Be sure to follow label instructions on your specific brand of stain for proper preparation and application.
How To Stain Acacia Wood
This section will walk you through how to stain acacia wood properly. Staining acacia wood is a great way to highlight the natural beauty of your furniture piece.
Acacia wood can be stained in many different colors, including black, cherry, mahogany, and walnut.
It is best to wait 10-12 months after the acacia wood has been finished before applying any other finish. This is because natural oils will soak in and create a better barrier between the wood and any stains applied afterward.
Step 1: Sanding Acacia Wood
Start by sanding the wood lightly using a fine-grit sandpaper. Sand evenly along the wood grain to ensure that you don’t create unwanted scratches or marks on your wood surface.
Be mindful that Acacia wood has natural oils in it that can prevent the stain from penetrating.
So light sanding allows the natural oils (which protect the wood) time to dissipate, allowing for better stain penetration.
If you want a shine, use fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool (if rust isn’t an issue); otherwise, don’t bother trying to get too shiny since Acacia Wood is naturally light-colored and can look unappealing with too much shine.
If you’re using steel wool, be sure to use light pressure when doing so since this material is very abrasive and will cause damage if used firmly or for too long.
Step 2: Raising The Wood Grain
This is the last stage in preparing the wood to receive the most stain possible and enhance penetration.
This process is known by a few different terms in woodworking circles. It’s also called grain raising or water popping the grain.
This step makes the ends of the wood fibers stand up, allowing the stain to soak into them and increase penetration depth.
To enhance the wood’s natural grain, follow the method described below.
The Wetting Process
Remove the wood dust first. Then, with a wet cloth or a wet mop, wet the Acacia wood. Ensure that it is not dripping wet and there are no puddles of water on top of the wood. In short, wring out the wet cloth just enough to wet the wood.
Do not wet it too much as this will make streaks on top of your table and you will have some difficulty applying the stain evenly.
Allow for enough time for the wood to dry completely
Leave the acacia wood to dry out completely. You should leave it for at least 30 to 45 minutes before starting the next step.
The wood must be completely dry with no visible moisture before you start applying the stain. Otherwise, this will affect your results and may ruin all your work.
What the wetting process does is cause moisture to reach wood fibers. And then, when it dries quickly, wood cells shrink, causing ends of the fiber to pull up towards the wood surface. This creates a coarse wood grain that is easy for finishing tools to cut into and create smooth surfaces.
Run your hands lightly over the wood to see if you can feel raised fibers. If so, it’s ready for staining.
Step 3: Applying Stain
It is now time to apply your stain on top of Acacia Wood!
Here are some tips that will ensure even staining results:
- Use a clean, dry cloth or sponge when applying stains
- Stain in the direction of the natural grain
- Stain in even layers to prevent darker staining in certain areas.
To do this, work with small sections at a time and apply stain until you have covered the entire surface. This way, you will know that all parts are stained evenly and achieve professional results every time!
As noted earlier, staining your acacia wood is a lot easier now that you have prepared the surface correctly.
To achieve the desired finish, stain two parts: staining and wiping off excess stain with a rag or soft cloth. This will help to ensure there are no spots without any stain on them and prevent unsightly staining that would mar the final look of your piece.
Make sure you’re applying the stain along the wood grain since this will allow more dye to soak into it.
The staining process can be repeated as many times as needed until the desired color is achieved.
Make sure you wait for the first coat of stain to dry before applying another since this will allow better penetration and an even, polished finish. And what’s the drying time? Here’s a detailed guide on how long the stain needs to dry before walking on it.
Do not apply too much stain at once because it may cause blotches or uneven staining, which can ruin the overall appearance of your Acacia Wood.
Let the first coat dry before applying a second coat if you want to make the stain darker. Wait for at least 20 minutes between coats.
Step 4: Sanding Again
When the stain has fully dried, lightly sand the wood surface with fine sandpaper.
Begin with light sanding pressure and work your way up gradually until you achieve the desired smoothness for Acacia Wood.
As you recall, we just finished sanding the wood and made it rougher before staining. This step will remove the scratch marks and make it smooth again.
This step ensures that your stain penetrates deep into wood fibers for a more even, polished finish on Acacia Wood. It also ensures no streaks are left after staining, which can ruin all your efforts!
Do not forget to sand in the direction of the grain since this will make it easier to remove any scratches.
You can choose which grit sandpaper you use, depending on the desired smoothness of your Acacia Wood’s surface.
Another tip is that lighter pressure should be used when moving towards the end of sanding to avoid creating small ridges in wood fibers.
Use your hand to feel the surface of your table for any ridges or bumps.
If you find some, switch to a lighter sanding pressure and use less downward force until ridges disappear entirely from the wood’s surface.
You can also move up in grits if they are too rough to achieve a smoother finish on Acacia Wood!
As before, be careful to test the smoothness of your surface before deciding which grit sandpaper you will use.
If it is still rough, repeat this step until the desired finish is achieved or move on to staining again if necessary.
Next, learn how to get stained wood to stop smelling.
Step 5: Finishing
After the wood has been stained, you need to apply the final finish.
A finishing oil or lacquer is recommended for the protection and durability of Acacia Wood.
Staining can have a significant impact on wood fibers. So they need to be protected from damage after staining to give them enough time to absorb dye properly.
Remember that you can always repeat the steps above before applying a wood finish if desired.
Also, you can use different types of finishes to make your acacia furniture look unique and personalized!
The desired type of finish will depend on individual preference since each has pros and cons depending on Acacia Wood’s durability.
For example, oil finishes are often regarded as the best since they protect the wood from water and moisture.
However, oil finishes can take a long time to dry after the first coat, which means you need to be patient when using them or make them dry a little faster.
On the other hand, lacquer is applied quickly but needs regular reapplication for Acacia Wood’s protection.
Interesting Post: How to Dry Stained Wood Fast
What Type of Stain is Best For Acacia Wood?
There are a few different types of stains you can use on your Acacia Wood.
Some people like to go with darker colors, while others prefer lighter shades for an elegant look or something more modern in nature!
Oil-Based Stain
Oil-based stains are the best wood stain for outdoor furniture because of their resistance to UV rays. It is also the most popular type of stain used on Acacia Wood and will provide a richer color than water- or alcohol-based stains.
This is the option I went with; it has held up well over the past couple of years.
Water-Based Stain
Water-based stains are great for outdoor furniture because they are easy to clean up if anything spills on it. But be sure that you do not use them in high humidity areas, or else they will bubble and peel off.
They are fast-drying, so you can enjoy your new wood furniture after a shorter wait.
Lacquer Wood Stain
Lacquer-based stains are great for outdoor use because they can withstand UV rays and water, but be sure to clean them immediately if anything spills on the wood, or else it could cause discoloration. Also, if you want a darker color that won’t fade in high humidity areas, I would recommend using a lacquer-based stain.
Gel Wood Stain
Gel wood stain is a type of paint that contains a thick gel that is colored with pigment.
Gel wood stains are great for someone looking to achieve an even darker color than oil or water-based stains.
Gel stain dries quickly and can also be cleaned easily if anything spills on the wood.
Considering the stains we’ve described, oil-based stains are the most popular type of stain used on acacia wood and will provide a richer color than water or alcohol-based stains.
Oil-based wood stains are great for outdoor furniture because oil-based stains are resistant to UV rays.
Use water-based wood stains to enhance the wood’s natural grain, or water-based stains can be used as a second option.
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Staining Acacia Wood FAQs:
What is the best stain for acacia wood?
Oil-Based Stains are the best type of stain used on acacia wood and will provide a richer color than water or alcohol-based stains.
What should you do if your acacia wood stain fades?
If you want your stain to last, take the necessary steps to protect it from damage and fading. Try using sealant or lacquer-wood stains that can withstand UV rays and water. Avoid high humidity areas because these types of stains will bubble and peel if they’re exposed to water or humidity!
What color is acacia wood?
The term “acacia” applies to several different acacia wood tree species. Acacia is usually brown, although it may be red, golden, or tan. Acacia features an extensive range of stains that are beautiful together. For a deep, rich hardwood look, use black walnut or pekoe brown acacia stain.
What undertones does acacia wood have?
Acacia wood has a lot of undertones, with some being more prominent than others. It’s usually brown but also features red and golden tones. In addition, acacia is known for its wide variety of stains that you can use to create different looks! For example, acacia stained black gives off a deep rich look, while acacia stained pekoe brown gives a more natural appearance.
How do I care for Stained Acacia wood products?
The most important thing to remember about Stained Acacia wood products is that they should be maintained and protected at all times. If you don’t take care of them, your furniture or hardwood floor will break down quickly over time.
Always wipe off dirt with warm water and remove stains with mineral spirits.
Can you restain acacia wood floors?
Yes, you can restain acacia wood flooring. Acacia wood floors are one of the best materials for flooring because they maintain their beauty over time. Besides, they are naturally resistant to decay caused by fungus.
If your goal is simply cleanliness, then there are products available on the market today which contain bacteria-fighting agents such as bleach or triclosan.
But since Oil wood stains are the most popular type of stain used on acacias -you’ll need to learn how to remove oil-based wood stains
Does acacia wood change color?
No, Acacia wood does not change color. It has black, brown, and red tones. But it’s mostly dark brown with some lighter flecks.
Can you stain acacia wood dark?
Yes, acacia wood can be stained dark to achieve a deep, rich color. To determine whether you can stain acacia wood, test it first on an inconspicuous section of the board. This ensures that if there are any issues with your black stained wood, they won’t show up in the rest of the finished product.
How to stain acacia panellings
To stain acacia panelling on a wall, start by cleaning the surface to remove any dust or debris. Apply wood conditioner to ensure even stain absorption. Then, use a brush or cloth to apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe off excess stain and allow it to dry.
What is the best acacia wood finish?
For the best Acacia wood finish, you should use an oil-based product. The most popular types are Danish Oil and Tung Oil. You can also use linseed oil or boiled linseed oil for a natural look that is more resistant to water damage. And can you use tung oil with stain? Find out
How to stain painted acacia?
To stain painted acacia wood, start by sanding the surface lightly to remove any gloss or varnish. Clean the wood thoroughly, then apply a wood stain designed for use on painted surfaces. Wipe off excess stain and allow it to dry for a beautiful stained finish.
How to stain acacia for log cabin?
To stain acacia wood for a log cabin, follow these steps:
- Sand the wood to create a smooth surface.
- Clean the surface from dust and debris.
- Apply the best-rated log cabin stain for acacia, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow ample drying time before use.
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Wrap Up
I hope you’ve found this article helpful. Acacia is a beautiful wood that can be stained in many different ways, depending on the desired result.
The most popular stain colors are mahogany, chestnut brown and cherry red. These three stains will give your acacia an inviting warmth to it without being too dark or overpowering. So let me know what color of stain you end up choosing for your furniture!
Next, learn
Hi Goodell – this is great info, thanks! I have an acacia wood table and I’m interested in removing the red hues from the wood to make it a cool brown. What’s the best way to do this? Would stain be my answer or should I use a wood bleach to lighten up the wood? TIA!
Thanks for stopping by. Sure, you can make the stain lighter by bleaching