The Best Stain for Pine!
When looking for the best stain for pine to give your home that modern farmhouse feel, it’s hard to find the right one!
For our latest project in our Barndominium—a custom pine barn door—we found the perfect match in Kilz Magnolia Home Stain in Spanish Cedar. This warm, rustic hue blended seamlessly with our design, bringing out the natural knots and texture of the pine.
We started with an unfinished pine barn door, which allowed us to carefully choose the exact stain that would provide that signature farmhouse aesthetic. Once we had the door prepped, it was time to apply the stain. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how we transformed the raw wood into a centerpiece for our foyer.
Step 1: Applying the Kilz Magnolia Home Stain in Spanish Cedar
This stain was the perfect choice for our project. The warm tones complemented the natural pine beautifully, enhancing its rustic charm while adding just the right amount of color. Applying it with a foam brush. We made sure to work the stain into the wood grain, wiping off any excess for a smooth, even finish. This specific stain worked well for pine. It didn’t blotch like so many other stains we have tried in the past. We normally would apply pre-conditioner when staining pine, but this product seems to not need that step!
The results were stunning! The grain patterns popped, giving the door a rich, farmhouse-style finish that feels timeless and inviting.
Step 2: Prepping the Doors for Poly
To make spraying the polyurethane easier, we stood two barn doors up using a simple trick—attaching them together with a wood shim secured at the top using a finishing nailer. This V configuration provided stability and allowed us to work on the doors simultaneously. Prepping the surface with a light sanding ensured the stain would absorb evenly.
Step 3: Protecting the Finish–Maintaining the Stain on Pine
Once the stain dried, we wanted to ensure the door would hold up over time. Especially since it was going to be installed in a high-traffic area. Megan sprayed the doors with Varathane Polyurethane in a satin finish using our Fuji Semi-pro sprayer. The satin finish added a subtle sheen that enhanced the natural beauty of the wood without making it too glossy. This is ideal for the modern farmhouse look.
Conclusion:
This post was all about finding the perfect stain for pine to achieve that modern farmhouse look, using Kilz Magnolia Home in Spanish Cedar.
