What Kind of Rag to Use for Staining? (We Recommend These 4 Staining Rags)

What kind of rag to use for staining? This is a question that a lot of woodworkers like you often ask.

A staining rag makes your wood stain applications precise, faster, cleaner, not to mention that you never have to worry about blotching that commonly happens when you stain with a brush.

In fact, most experts will tell you that the easiest and most efficient way to apply wood stain is by using a stain rag.

Using a staining rag is especially advisable if you’re using a water-based stain which is fast-drying.

You’ll want to wipe off the excess stain with a rag before it dries up and leaves behind blotchy wood.

Is it Better to Stain Wood with a Brush or Rag?

Brushing is the slowest method of applying stain. You’re more likely to waste time, not to mention encounter color blotching  problems.

Basically, it’s much more efficient to wipe stain than to brush it.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re using an oil-based stain which dries slowly or a water-based stain which is fast-drying.

So why brush the stain while it’s so much faster to wipe it?

NB: You can use a brush to get the stain into difficult to reach areas like corners. However, if staining a weathered deck, you might want to consider using a staining pad attached on a long handle. It’s faster and easier.

What Kind of Rag to Use for Staining?

Not every rag can be used for staining. Here are some of the best rags I would recommend you to use for the most perfect staining job.

1. Tack Cloth-Best Cloth for Staining Wood

A tack cloth is one of the best staining rags to use for staining or even putting the final touches in order to keep your surfaces dust and particle-free.

I would recommend the Bond Crystal Brand Premium Tack Cloths for the following reasons;

• They ensure a smooth, blemish-free finish
• They help remove dust and fine particles on a surface before beginning your staining job and in between coats
• They work great for different types of surfaces
• These tack cloths are washable and reusable
• Extremely easy to use
• Affordable

2. Staining Pad-Best Staining Pad

A staining pad is not exactly a rag but this sponge with a terry cover does an excellent job in stain applications.

A staining pad is quite absorbent which prevents the stain from dripping and creating a mess.

It also holds excess liquid stain so you won’t have to keep redipping it in your stain container.

I would recommend the Trimaco 10102 SuperTuff Sponge 2 Pack Staining Pad  . It’s an ideal applicator pad for all types of wood stains and sealers.

I recommend it because;

• It’s a perfect applicator pad for wood stains, sealers, polyurethanes, varnishes, oils, waxes, gel stains, and more

• It works on any wood surface

• It’s highly absorbent- it absorbs, holds, and releases stain to provide a clean, smooth, and consistent finish

• Since it absorbs a large amount of stain, it saves you time and energy by reducing re-loading

• The pad’s outer layer does not leave any lint or fuzz in your stain finish. However, the cutting process may create some lint. Be sure to remove the lint before dipping it into the stain canister

• Budget-friendly-The pads are not only affordable, but are also money-saving as 2 pads can be cut with scissors to make 12-16 applicators

What I Don’t Like About These Staining Pads

• They are not reusable, which is a bummer. You might want to purchase them in bulk

3. White Knit Rags

While Knit Rags with soft tshirt material that is extremely absorbent and lint-free.

This makes the knit rags not only ideal for staining jobs, but also for surface cleaning tasks.

If you’ve opted for white knit rags for your staining job, I would recommend you choose the Nabob Premium White T-Shirt Knit Rags.

Why do I recommend these knit rags? Here are some of the reasons why these Nabob Knit Rags are the best staining rags;

• They make excellent stain applicators

• They are suitable for all types of wood surfaces

• The knit rags are highly absorbent

• The knit rags leave behind a smooth, consistent finish and do not leave behind any lint

• The white knit rags are quite strong and durable and will hold up to all your staining jobs

• The knit rags do not leave behind any color blotches

• The Nabob White Knit Rags are multipurpose- they can be used for paining, staining, shoe polishing, dish wiping, dusting, car cleaning, and more

• The knit rags are affordable

How Much Do these White Knit Rags Cost?

The Nabo White Knit Rags are quite affordable. You can check the current price here on Amazon.

4. CheeseCloth

Cheesecloth is great for staining as its soft and absorbent.

The cheesecloth material is also thinner, which makes it easier to fill your wood stain and cover your surfaces much better while ensuring a smooth finish.

I would recommend the Regency Wraps Rege Natural Ultra Fine Cheesecloth.

These Regency Wraps Cheesecloths are one of the most popular cheese cloths on Amazon not just for food applications, but for other purposes like;

• They are 100% cotton, which makes them soft and absorbent

• They are lint-free- using them for staining will ensure a smooth and consistent finish

• Ideal for other woodworking tasks like furniture refinishing

• Ideal for car detailing, windows and mirrors cleaning

How Much Do Regency Wraps Cheesecloth Cost?

The Regency Wraps Cheesecloths are generally affordable. Click here to view its current price on Amazon.

Best Brush for Staining

Since a staining rag or pad won’t be able to reach those hard-to-reach areas like corners and other recessed areas, you can use a staining brush.

The Pro Grade – Paint/Staining Brushes are some of the most popular staining brushes. They are multipurpose which means you can use them for painting tasks as well.

You can choose your desired pack as each pack contains a specific number of brushes.

Click here to check out the Pro Grade Painting/Staining Brushes on Amazon.

What Kind of Rag for Staining- Bottom Line

Using a brush for staining jobs is without a doubt less messy than using a staining rag which causes dripping.

However, you might never achieve the highest level of perfection with a brush as you would with a staining rag.

Besides perfection, it’s common knowledge that staining rags make the job faster and easier.

So go ahead and create the most beautiful finish with any of these staining rags.