When using stain on wood, what result should be expected?

When using stain on wood, the primary result expected is enhanced color and grain visibility. Stain is designed to penetrate the wood surface, enriching its natural color and highlighting the grain patterns. This process allows the unique characteristics of the wood, such as its texture and grain lines, to become more pronounced, giving the finished piece a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

While some stains may alter the color of the wood, the goal is usually to enhance the existing elements rather than create a complete color transformation. Increased thickness does not occur with stain; it typically does not build up like paint would. Stains also do not provide permanent waterproofing; instead, they may offer some degree of water resistance depending on their formulation, but they do not create a waterproof barrier like sealants or finishes designed specifically for that purpose. Thus, enhanced color and grain visibility is the key expectation when applying wood stain.