Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain

How good (or bad) is Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain? I tried it out myself and I have to say, it isn’t your run-of-the-mill stain – it’s an oil based gel stain, and boasts a built-in topcoat that works wonders on both finished and raw wood.

If you’re embarking on a new furniture project or looking to at refinishing furniture, this all-in-one stain might be the secret ingredient you need. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive right in!

photo of heirloom traditions stain in can and applying stain onto furniture with text overlay

Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain is a great choice for furniture and DIY projects that need stained. It’s a gel stain with a topcoat built in, so it can be used over finished wood or on raw wood surfaces.

Click here for the stain removal guide and checklist

This all-in-one solution offers excellent coverage and protection, while still allowing you to customize the look of your project with different colors of stains.

With Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain, you get the benefits of both oil based stains and topcoats without having to use two separate products – saving time and money!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also may earn from other qualifying purchases with other companies or get free product to review and use. All opinions are my own.

Pros and Cons of Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain

Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain is a game changer for DIY lovers and furniture restorers alike.

Its top benefit is that it’s an all-in-one product, meaning it offers the functionality of a stain and a topcoat in one handy package.

This not only makes the process simpler but also saves you from buying two separate products.

Unlike many other stains on the market, Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain doesn’t call for any sanding or stripping before use, saving you time and elbow grease.

Just apply it directly onto the piece you’re working on – it’s that easy!

applying stain directly onto the furniture with high quality brush

Here’s our list of the best wood stains for refinishing furniture if you want to consider other wood stains for your next project.

One standout feature is its ability to be used over an existing finish. You don’t need to remove the old finish, making it perfect for revamping your furniture without the extra work.

And let’s not forget about outdoor projects. This all-in-one stain can be used outdoors too, making it a versatile choice for all your staining needs.

However, as with any product, there are a few downsides. Being oil-based, it does have a stronger smell than water-based stains, and it takes longer to dry.

But if you can overlook these minor inconveniences, you’ll find that Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain offers a host of benefits that make it well worth considering for your next project.

Pros

  • All-in-One Product
  • No Pre-Preparation Needed
  • Versatile Application
  • Suitable for Outdoor Projects
  • User-Friendly

Cons

  • It is Oil Based (Smelly)
  • Long Dry Time

How to Use Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain

Applying Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain is a fairly straightforward process, but there are a few tips that can make your project go even smoother.

First off, give the product a good stir before you start. This mixes up all the ingredients and makes sure that you get the best color and consistency, really, it helps you get the best results possible.

If you’re staining raw wood, add some mineral spirits to the gel stain to make it a little thinner and make it easier to stain the raw wood.

adding mineral spirits to the gel stain to make it thinner

If you’re staining wood that has an existing finish, clean the wood with a degreasing cleaner like Krud Kutter to remove any grease or grime that can prevent the stain from sticking to the surface.

Check out my blog post for tips and tricks on how to stain already stained wood.

For best results, sand your wood with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out the wood and/or make sure the stain can stick to the old finish. If you like living on the edge, you can skip the sanding. haha

When it comes to applying the stain, a cheap brush or lint free cloth will do the job just fine. You can also check out our list of the best brushes for staining wood to choose the brush that works well for your staining needs.

The trick is to work quickly to apply it evenly, and then use a clean lint cloth to remove any excess stain.

For more information on how to stain wood, check out our post on how to stain wood furniture. If you are wanting to stain your already finished wood furniture to freshen up the finish, check out our how to restain wood furniture post.

While one coat might give you the color you’re looking for, we recommend going for two coats for full coverage and better durability with the built in topcoat. This will give your piece a richer color and a more polished finish.

On this wooden bench project, I stained the raw wood bench with 3 coats of Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain to give the wood a thick coating of protection since I plan to keep it outside.

I also used Heirloom Traditions Paint on this makeover before staining. Check out my Heirloom Traditions All In One Paint review for my experience with this paint.

applying 3 coats of stain to give the wood a thick coating

And finally, remember to be safe. Oil-based products like this one are flammable, so take care when disposing of your rags.

I lay my saturated tools and rags outside, flat and not crumbled up to completely dry before throwing them away.

Colors of Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain

Selecting the perfect color for your project can truly elevate it to the next level, and Heirloom Traditions All in One Stain offers a diverse palette to choose from.

For those who appreciate a rustic aesthetic, Antique White is an excellent choice. It provides a classic, enduring appeal that seamlessly integrates with various decor styles.

If you’re more inclined towards a rich, medium brown tone, Walnut should be on your radar. This is the color I used on this wooden bench and I feel like it would match a lot of vintage furniture.

The Camel shade is a versatile option, bringing a unique light wood touch to any project. It’s a neutral hue that complements a wide range of wood types.

For lovers of dark finishes, Ebony and Espresso are hard to beat. These shades lend a sleek, modern touch to your furniture, adding an element of drama and intrigue.

Graphite and Gray Mist are contemporary options that defy traditional aesthetics. They’re perfect for those looking to make a bold statement with their furniture pieces.

Last, Tobacco is a warm, inviting color that enhances the natural beauty of the wood, giving it a cozy, homely feel.

Don’t forget that you can mix these stains together to create a unique stain that is perfect for you. For example, mix Tobacco with Gray Mist to create a more modern wood stain.

Advantages of Using an All-in-One Stain

All-in-One Stains, like Heirloom Traditions, are a fantastic choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. There are several reasons why these products stand out.

First, their all-in-one nature means they combine the function of a stain and a topcoat in a single product. This simplifies your project by reducing the number of products you need to buy and apply, saving you both time and money.

All-in-One Stains often require less prep work. Many don’t need sanding or stripping before application, meaning you can dive straight into your project without lengthy and laborious preparation.

Another advantage is their versatility. Many All-in-One Stains can be applied over an existing finish, perfect for updating furniture without the need to strip it back to bare wood first.

applying all in one stain over an existing finish

Plus, these stains are typically suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects. This makes them a flexible option for a wide range of applications, from reviving an old deck to transforming a tired piece of furniture.

However, remember that they are oil-based, which means they have a stronger odor than water-based stains and take longer to dry.

Despite this, the convenience and versatility of All-in-One Stains make them a popular choice for many staining projects!

More Furniture Staining tips

Click here for the paint removal checklist and guide

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2 Comments

  1. If you have to use wood filler to touch up areas can you use this stain on top? Will the wood filler show?

    1. No matter what stain or wood filler you use, the wood filler will show at least a little bit compared to the stained wood around it. Just like a touch up will show. But, gel stain is the best kind of stain to use over wood filler to hide the wood filler the most.

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