There's something deeply satisfying about the idea of completing a home project on your own. DIY culture is booming, and for good reason—it can be fun, educational, and sometimes more affordable. But when it comes to wood staining, that weekend project you thought would take a couple of hours can easily spiral into a frustrating, costly ordeal.

Whether you're refinishing your kitchen cabinets, updating your stair railing, or bringing an old piece of furniture back to life, wood staining is not as simple as it seems. The finish is what people see first, and achieving a flawless, even stain requires skill, the right tools, and a deep understanding of the material you're working with.

At FHG Contracting, we specialize in delivering precise, beautiful, and lasting wood finishes using low VOC, water-based products. We provide on-site custom colour matching and refinishing services across Sherwood Park, Alberta and surrounding areas. Here’s why DIY wood staining often goes wrong—and how hiring a professional can save you time, money, and stress while giving you stunning results.

1. Mistakes in Surface Preparation

The most common mistake DIYers make is underestimating the importance of proper prep work. Before any stain touches the wood, the surface must be meticulously cleaned, stripped (if necessary), sanded evenly, and dust-free. Even slight inconsistencies in sanding pressure or grit choice can lead to blotchy, uneven absorption.

DIY issues often include:

• Not removing old finish properly
• Skipping sanding or using the wrong sandpaper
• Leaving behind dust or oils that resist stain absorption

These missteps often don’t show until after the stain is applied—when it’s too late. At that point, you’re looking at either living with the flawed finish or starting over entirely, costing you more time and materials.

How a Pro Helps:

At FHG Contracting, we don’t cut corners. Our experienced team knows exactly how to prep different wood types, ensuring your stain goes on evenly and smoothly the first time.

2. Choosing the Wrong Stain Type

With a dizzying variety of products on the market—oil-based, water-based, gel stains, dyes—it’s easy to grab the wrong one off the shelf. Each has unique properties, drying times, VOC levels, and application techniques. Using the wrong stain for your wood species or project environment can lead to poor penetration, peeling, uneven drying, or unwanted colour shifts.

Common DIY mishaps include:

• Incompatibility with previous finishes
• Choosing a stain that’s too dark or too light
• Applying indoor products outdoors (or vice versa)
• Unintentional ambering or yellowing over time

How a Pro Helps:

We specialize in low VOC, water-based products that are eco-conscious, fast-drying, and excellent for indoor use. With our on-site custom colour matching, we ensure the stain suits your specific wood type, space lighting, and design goals.

3. Uneven Application and Lap Marks

Staining may look easy—dip a cloth or brush, apply, and wipe off, right? Not quite. Wood is a porous, inconsistent material that absorbs stain differently depending on grain, density, and moisture levels. Without the right technique, you’re likely to end up with:

• Lap marks (where stained areas overlap)
• Dark blotches or streaks
• Missed spots or uneven tones

Once a mistake is visible, it’s usually too late to blend or touch up. Reworking a bad job can involve re-sanding the entire surface, which is time-consuming and frustrating.

How a Pro Helps:

We use professional-grade tools and spraying equipment that apply stain evenly and consistently, no matter the size or complexity of the job. Our trained eyes also catch inconsistencies early, adjusting techniques in real time to ensure a flawless result.

4. Inconsistent Colour Matching

Matching new stain to existing wood elements—like floors, trim, or adjacent cabinetry—is one of the hardest parts of wood staining. Natural wood tones vary wildly, and the stain you use reacts differently based on those undertones.

DIY efforts often fall short with:

• Clashing finishes between old and new surfaces
• Colours that look right in the can, but wrong on the wood
• Inability to recreate older custom stain formulas

How a Pro Helps:

At FHG Contracting, we specialize in on-site custom colour matching. That means we create the perfect stain right where the work is being done—tailored to your unique wood, lighting, and design needs. No guesswork, no mismatched cabinets—just a cohesive, professional look.

5. Failing to Protect the Finish

Applying the stain is only half the battle. The final step—sealing and protecting the wood—is just as critical. DIYers often choose low-quality topcoats, or worse, skip the topcoat altogether. This leaves your wood vulnerable to:

• Scratches
• Moisture damage
• UV fading
• Everyday wear and tear

A poorly protected finish will degrade quickly, meaning you’ll be right back at square one—this time needing repairs and a full redo.

How a Pro Helps:

We apply premium protective topcoats suited to your environment (kitchen, bathroom, high-traffic areas, etc.), ensuring long-lasting durability. Our water-based sealers are fast-drying, non-yellowing, and safe for indoor air quality.

6. Time and Stress Add Up Fast

DIY projects are meant to save money—but how much is your time worth? What starts as a two-day project can stretch into multiple weekends filled with sanding, testing, fixing mistakes, and running back and forth to the hardware store.

In the end, you may still not be happy with the result, and then you're faced with calling in a professional anyway.

How a Pro Helps:

We eliminate the trial-and-error process, finishing most jobs quickly and efficiently without disruption to your home. No learning curve, no surprises, and no stress.

Why Trust FHG Contracting?

We’re not just another painting company that dabbles in wood staining. At FHG Contracting, we specialize in it. Our entire approach is built around:

• Using low VOC, eco-friendly, water-based products
• Providing on-site colour matching
• Refinishing cabinetry, doors, railings, and more with expert craftsmanship

We proudly serve Sherwood Park, Alberta (T8H 0Z7) and nearby communities with unmatched quality and care.

Let’s Get It Done Right the First Time

Don’t let your dream project turn into a DIY disaster. If you want stunning, long-lasting results without the headache, leave the staining to the pros.

📍 Located in Sherwood Park, Alberta

📞 Call us at 1-780-934-4115

📧 Email us at info@fhgcontracting.com

We’ll help you bring out the natural beauty of your wood—with zero stress and 100% satisfaction.