Oil- or Water-Based

• All stains come with either water or oil as its main ingredient. Water-based stains are easy to clean up from your hands and from brushes. Oil-based stains must be cleaned up using paint thinner and take longer to dry; however, they do offer a more durable coat of stain in the long run.
  
  

Exterior

• Exterior stains, with the exception of a few circumstances (an area inside that may be exposed to moisture), should be kept outdoors. Outdoor hardwoods such as mahogany and the tropical ipe are candidates for exterior stains, water- or oil-based. If you are applying a varnish or finish over the top of any stain, always keep the finish and the stain the same--oil with oil and water with water.
  
  

Interior

• Interior hardwood stains can never be used outdoors. Water-based interior stain is the best to use indoors because of its ease of use. Cleanup is easier and the smell isn't as overwhelming. However, for a greater means of durability and shine, oil-based is a good choice; water-based is good, but oil is superior.