When Traditional Staining Fails (or Isn’t an Option): That’s When Liquid Wood Steps In

Traditional staining doesn’t always work — and knowing when it won’t is just as important as knowing how to stain in the first place.

In this episode, Val Frania talks through a common frustration furniture flippers face: pieces that simply won’t take stain well due to laminate surfaces, damaged veneer, wood filler repairs, paint seeped into the grain, or mixed substrates. While advice like “add veneer,” “replace the top,” or “just paint it” is often shared online, those solutions aren’t always practical — especially for beginners or for pieces that need to make sense from an ROI standpoint.

Val introduces Retique It Liquid Wood as a legitimate, professional tool she keeps in her toolbox — not for every project, but for the right ones. Liquid Wood is made with real wood fibers, applies like paint, and allows flippers to create a real wood surface where traditional staining isn’t realistic.

This episode also explores the idea of wisdom and discernment — knowing when effort is productive and when it’s simply proving a point. Val draws a parallel between thoughtful decision-making in furniture flipping and life itself, emphasizing stewardship over pride projects.

You’ll also hear a few key insights Val has learned from experience, including:

1. Why traditional staining fails on certain surfaces
2. When Liquid Wood becomes a viable alternative
3. Why sanding and proper adhesion matter, even when products say otherwise
4. The importance of choosing tools that serve your goals, not your ego

Val closes the episode with Scripture that perfectly captures the heart of the conversation:

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