SELECTING A COLOR

​How many color choices does Weatherwash have?

• WeatherWash has 13 aging wood stain colors.
• View our full Color Chart to compare tones and wood species examples (link).

How should I select a color?

• Wood species react differently based on natural tannin levels. We strongly recommend ordering a sample and testing directly on your wood before starting a large project.
• Check out our Color Chart or feel free to reach out for custom color recommendations at: support@weatherwashcoatings.com

How should I color test the product?

• The WeatherWash quart is your sample size

• Apply to a sample board using the same wood species
• Allow it to fully dry
• View in your actual lighting conditions

Reactive stains vary based on tannin levels, sanding, and absorption.

WORKING WITH REACTIVE STAINS

What are the best practices for reactive wood stains?

• Combining and/or layering aging wood stains is okay and looks great!
• Tannins can transfer from the wood to the stain. ​Maintain color purity by pouring only the product you need into plastic container before use and discard leftover stain. 
• The organic manufacturing process may create discrepancies from one stain batch to another, please order for your entire job all at once.  This is true for any stain product.
• Quality control allows for slight (not drastic) color drift. When buying several containers for the same job, it is best to "box" them or pour all the containers into a larger plastic container for color consistency. This is true for any stain product.

APPLICATION AND PREP

What grit sandpaper should I use?

• 60–80 grit is ideal to open the grain
• For smoother finishes, follow with 120 grit
• Avoid sanding too fine before staining

What if I want a smoother wood finish that 80 grit?

• ​For smoother finish, you can first sand with 80 grit, then 120 prior to staining.
• After stain dries, you can finish sand with 320 grit.
• Then topcoat with Weatherwash brand topcoat. 

Do I need a wood moisturizer or pre-stain?

• No. Wood conditioners and moisturizers are not recommended.
• They may interfere with the reactive aging process.

How do I sand intricate millwork or veneer?

• ​For intricate millwork and thin veneers sanding with 80 grit may not be optimal. In these cases you can apply a coat of coat of denatured alcohol.

How can I speed up Weatherwash dry times?

• Product dry time can be sped up with a heat gun / hair dryer / direct sunlight. Note, colors may be lighter with expedited drying methods.
• More on using a hair dryer to speed dry times on this Instagram post: link!

How do I care for my project?

• Fine furniture, cabinetry, and flooring finish care is important. After you finish has cured, the best way to clean is with a rag dampened with water. If your surface requires deeper cleaning we suggest adding a drop of dish detergent or vinegar. Be sure to use coasters, mats and trivets. Wipe spills immediately and only use a water damp microfiber cloth and mild dish soap to clean. 
  
  • Important: Always avoid using oil-soap or silicone-based daily cleaners or dusting sprays. These products contaminate the existing finish and can prevent the adhesion of future finishes.

WOOD SPECIFICATIONS

Can I use WeatherWash on wood that has already been stained or painted?

• Aging washes will not work on top of wood that has already been stained, painted, or topcoated.
• The surface must be raw or fully stripped before applying WeatherWash.
• The reactive process requires direct contact with bare wood.

Can I use WeatherWash on refinished wood that has been stripped or sanded?

• ​Aging washes work on refinished wood! Once the first product has been removed- either by stripping wood or sanding it. Often we find applying a two coats looks better on wood that's been stripped. 

Can I use wood bleach?

• ​Using wood bleach will lighten WeatherWash Aging washes but can alter the final color and color tone. Always work up a sample first.

​Staining vertical surfaces

• Use a sponge brush for the best color control. Apply full strokes, top to bottom and working right to left or vice versa. More on staining vertical surfaces in this Instagram post: link!

Why is the end grain darker?

• ​​End grain means larger wood pores which can absorb more stain and react a darker shade. Sanding the end grain. with higher grit sand paper 320/400 will help "seal" the straws and allow less stain penetration. 

Using wood fillers

• WeatherWash does not recommend wood filler prior to staining.

• Fillers may absorb stain differently and disrupt color consistency.

• Always test first if filler must be used.

• Wood fillers that can be tinted to match the stained wood are a client favorite! More on wood filler in this Instagram post: link!

EXTERIOR USE

Can I use WeatherWash on pressure treated wood?

• You bet! Pressure treating wood will have little to no effect on the color!

Does WeatherWash have exterior aging wood stains?

• ​WeatherWash exterior stains typically need to be applied one time and should not need annual reapplication. The wood should continue to weather like barnwood or any other exposed wood with transparent stain applied to it.

Can I use Weatherwash "Interior" stains outside?

• Interior stains are not guaranteed to remain color-fast outdoors.

• Exterior projects should always be sealed with WeatherWash Exterior Sealer.

Do you offer exterior protection?

• Yes. Use WeatherWash Exterior Sealer for outdoor durability.

• It typically lasts 2–4 years depending on sun and weather exposure. Reapply when water stops beading. Product does not need removed before reapplication.

TONE & COLOR ADJUSTMENT

Can I combine stain colors?

• Yes. WeatherWash colors can be combined to create custom colors.

Test combinations on sample boards before full application.

Can I layer stain colors?

• Yes. WeatherWash colors can be layered.

Test combinations on sample boards before full application.

Why does my stain sample look lighter than I expected?

Most common causes:

• Too little product applied
• Wood has lower tannin levels
• Surface sanded too fine

Apply a second coat after one hour for deeper color.

​I like the color I picked, but how can I make it darker?

• Make sure you're drenching the wood, clients commonly apply too little wood stain. We recommend using a stiff sponge brush or paint sprayer for ideal application.
• ​You can quickly and easily layer additional coats of wood stain to achieve darker colors. 
• You can pre-sand the wood better. Start with 80 grit and work up to 120 grit.
• You can layer another color for custom shades.
• Try our Clear Maintenance Oil Toner to darken the color.

Why does my stain sample look darker than I expected? 

Possible causes:

• Higher natural tannin content
• Rougher or more porous wood
• Minimal sanding before application

Always test on a sample board first.

How can I achieve a lighter stain color?

• ​Apply our White Maintenance Oil Toner. This toner lightens and cools the color.
• You can apply a lighter coat of stain.
• You can avoid pre-sanding the wood. This will keep the wood stain from penetrating all the pores and result in a lighter color.
• WeatherWash wood stains are water-based and adding water will lighten their tannin reactions.
• When experimenting with water and stain, always remove a little stain from the can, making sure to measure the amount. We start with a tablespoon of stain and water. Test your swatch and work the color in small proportions, like a teaspoon from there. 
• Switch to a lighter shade of WeatherWash, feel free to reach out for custom color recommendations @ support@weatherwashcoatings.com

Want to tone your colors?

• ​You can apply additional coats to achieve darker colors.
• You can pre-sand the wood better.
• You can layer another aging wash color.
• ​Try our White Oil toner to lighten colors.
• Try our Clear Oil Toner to warm the color.
• Try our Walnut Oil Toner to create rustic walnut brown wood effects.
• Try our Ebony Oil Toner to create blackened wood effects.

PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS

• Close lids tightly, lid should make an audible "pop." Air exposure deactivates product. 
• Do not store or apply when it's below 50 degrees. Please keep product from freezing! 
• Do not store in metal or use with metal paint brushes.​
• Do not cross-contaminate with other products.
• ​Do not work out of the canister. Tannins can transfer by brush and your stain will slowly change color or deactivate.
• ​If product contains lumps of larger particles: stir and mix your product according to the specifications on the label. If your wood stain or topcoat is not smooth, you can run it through a paint or coatings filter. It's a good idea to do  this before using a paint sprayer.