The Art (and Precision) of Custom Spray Stain: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at One Homeowner’s Dream Finish

3 Bullet Point Summary: 

• This ultra-precise finish required a gravity-fed spray gun and a custom stain formula for an exact Pinterest match.

• No room for error—if the finish isn’t perfect, it must be sanded off and started over.

• Most companies won’t attempt this technique—but our team delivers truly custom results when it counts.

At The Coatings Authority, Inc. we take pride in saying yes to the challenging projects other companies simply won’t attempt. One recent example? A custom spray stain that required a rarely used, highly technical application process…and a whole lot of patience, skill, and precision.

It all started with a single image on Pinterest.

A homeowner fell in love with a specific wood tone she saw online. The stain had a distinct, almost ethereal tone - rich yet soft, modern but warm. She tried everything to replicate it, even attempting to create the color herself using a wipe-on stain. But it just wasn’t right.

Still determined, she took a different route. She scoured local stores until she found a laminate floorboard at Menards that perfectly captured the look she had envisioned. With that physical sample in hand, she came to us, and we got to work.

Why Spray Stain?

To match the exact tone of the laminate, our team collaborated with Sherwin-Williams to develop a custom stain formulation. Even they couldn’t reproduce the color using a traditional wipe-on method. The only way to achieve a perfect match? A gravity-fed spray stain application, which is an advanced technique used by very few in the industry.

This method allows the stain to float onto the wood, creating an incredibly smooth, uniform finish without the streaks or inconsistencies that can come from brushing or wiping. Once applied, the stain is sealed with a high-quality lacquer to lock in the color and add durability.

High Risk, High Reward

Spray staining isn’t just rare, it’s unforgiving.

There’s absolutely no room for error. If the application isn’t perfect, you can’t just touch it up or go over it again. The only solution is to sand the entire piece down and start from scratch - or, in some cases, completely replace the component.

That’s why most cabinet manufacturers and painting contractors avoid this technique altogether. It’s too time-consuming, too risky, and requires an expert level of skill that many teams simply don’t have.

But for our talented team, this kind of project is right in our wheelhouse.

Turning Vision into Reality

The end result? A custom spray-stained finish that exactly matched the homeowner’s dream color. She didn’t have to settle for “close enough.” She got the look she loved - flawlessly executed, sealed, and built to last.

Why It Matters

We don’t just coat surfaces, we bring design visions to life. Whether it’s a Pinterest photo, a floor sample, or a completely unique idea, we have the tools, techniques, and team to make it happen.

If you have a bold vision for your home’s finish, but don’t know how to make it a reality, we’re the ones who say yes when others say no.

Ready to bring your dream stain or color to life? Contact The Coatings Authority today and let’s talk about what’s possible.