How to Stain a Sauna?

The Necessity of Staining a Sauna

When you use a sauna, it is very necessary to stain it. staining a sauna can not only enhance the beauty of the sauna, but also provide protection for the sauna.

Beauty

When the sauna was just bought, it was perfect and flawless. But as time goes by, the sauna has been exposed to the air for a long time and has lost its previous beauty, especially for outdoor saunas. Under the erosion of sunlight and rain, its beauty will be greatly reduced. staining a sauna can enhance the beauty of the sauna and make it look brand new. Of course, if you are not satisfied with the color of the original sauna, you can choose a stain that suits your aesthetics to color the sauna

Protection

Most saunas are made of wood. Wood is susceptible to insects and moisture, which can cause it to rot and crack. Staining your sauna can help prevent these problems and extend the life of your sauna. Staining also protects your sauna from weather factors, rain and sun, and provides a barrier.

Choosing the Right Stain for Your Sauna

There are many stains to choose from, and different stains have different advantages. When choosing a stain, you can choose according to your own needs.

Oil-Based Stains

Oil-based stains allow wood to maintain its color for a long time. They can penetrate deep into the wood, seal and protect the wood, and bring natural beauty. Oil-based stains have a long service life and do not require frequent replenishment and maintenance.

Water-Based Stains

Water-based stains are evenly colored. If you like even colors, you can choose water-based stains. However, water-based stains require more frequent maintenance. Compared with oil-based stains, water-based stains are easier to clean and more environmentally friendly.

Natural Stains

Natural stains refer to staining with natural stains as raw materials. No or very few chemical materials are used in the staining process, but natural stains are obtained from nature. Including mineral, animal and plant stains. Plant stains generally include trees, herbs, flowers, fruits, Chinese medicine, tea, etc. Mineral stains include cinnabar, azurite, etc. Natural stains are more environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and more natural. However, saunas that use natural stains will need to be used more frequently.

Step-by-Step Staining Process

There are several steps to staining a sauna. Here we will teach you how to stain a sauna. It is worth noting that this article is only for reference. You should read the instructions carefully for operation and waiting time.

Step1: Cleaning

Before staining a sauna, you must make preparations in advance. First, you must do a good job of cleaning. Clean the dust and debris on the wood to make it easier to stain. It is worth noting that the sauna can only be stained after cleaning and completely drying.
©Photo by homify Colombia

Step2: Sanding

In order to enhance the adhesion of the sauna, the wood needs to be sanded. You can use sandpaper to gently sand the surface of the wood. After sanding, wipe off the debris and wait for the sauna to dry.

Step3: Apply stain

Before applying the stain, you can wear gloves to prevent staining on your hands. After stirring the stain, you can stain. Use a sponge, brush or clean cloth to gently apply the stain along the wood grain and evenly cover the wood with the stain. Note: It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Step 4: Wait

Wait according to the manufacturer’s instructions to allow the wood to fully absorb the stain. The specific time is based on the instructions, usually within one day. If you want a darker color or want to protect the wood better, you can wait for the first layer to dry completely before applying the second layer.

Step 5: Apply Gloss Varnish (Optional)

After coloring the wood, you can choose to apply gloss varnish to protect and beautify it. After applying gloss varnish, you need to make sure the surface of the colored wood is clean. Wait until it is dry before applying it again.

Maintaining a Stained Sauna

Painting a sauna is not foolproof, and regular maintenance is required to ensure long-term use of the sauna. Here is how to maintain your sauna.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

The sauna needs regular cleaning and maintenance to better extend the service life of the sauna. The sauna needs to regularly clean dirt, leaves, water stains, sweat stains and debris to keep the sauna clean. At the same time, it is also necessary to check the mold and corruption of the wood in time to solve the problem of sauna wood in time.

Regularly Replenish Colorants

Over time, some colorants may wear out, especially in saunas used outdoors, where the wear and tear will be more serious. Therefore, the sauna needs to be repaired and replaced regularly according to the wear of the colorant to ensure the protection of the sauna.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sauna Staining

Do you still have questions about sauna coloring? We have collected common questions and answered them.

Can I Color My Sauna Myself? Do I Need to Find a Professional?

You can DIY your sauna according to the above steps, and you will have fun in it. If you want to better ensure the effect of coloring, you can also hire a professional to color your sauna.

What Type of Stain Is Best for a Sauna?

If you want better results, you can choose oil-based stains or water-based stains to color your sauna. If you pursue environmental protection, you can use natural stains.

How Long After Coloring Can You Use the Sauna?

You cannot use the sauna immediately after coloring. You need to wait for the sauna to be completely dry before you can use the sauna, which takes about a few days.

In Addition to Coloring, Are There Other Alternatives?

Transparent varnish can also provide protection for the sauna and enhance the gloss and smoothness of the sauna. Or adding waterproof eaves to the roof of the sauna can also play a protective role.

What Stain for Cedar Sauna​?

Oil-based stains are the best choice for outdoor saunas and are suitable for cedar saunas.

All in all, staining your sauna is a worthwhile investment that is both aesthetically pleasing and protective. Find the stain that suits you and follow the instructions for use and maintenance to enjoy a healthy and long-lasting sauna. Regular cleaning and re-staining can extend the life of your sauna. Choose your favorite sauna stain and start your sauna journey. You can choose COLDCHILLER as your sauna partner and move towards a better life together.