Stain is a popular choice for protecting and beautifying wood. Whether you are an experienced DIYer or just starting out with wood projects, this blog will give you all the information you need before starting your staining project or when you just want to learn more about stain. Discover how stain can transform your wood projects.
What is stain?
Stain is a wood finish specifically designed to penetrate the wood. This protects the wood from the inside. Unlike paint, which remains on the surface, stain penetrates deep into the wood. This offers deeper protection and preserves the natural appearance of the wood. From transparent stain that leaves the wood structure visible to non-transparent stain that makes weathered wood look new again.
Why use stain?
There are several reasons to opt for stain:
Protection: Stain protects wood against moisture, UV radiation, wood rot and fungi.
Embellishment: Stain emphasises the natural grain and texture of wood.
Durability: Stained wood lasts longer.
How to choose the right stain for wood?
Choosing the right stain depends on your project and the environmental conditions. Here are some tips:
Indoor vs outdoor: Use water-based indoor stain for furniture and floors. Choose outdoor stain for fences and garden sheds.
Non-translated vs transparent: A non-transparent or solid stain provides more colour and protection, while a transparent stain shows the natural wood grain. Transparent stain is available in wood colours, so you can still give the wood a colour.
Colour: Choose a colour that matches the style of your project. Transparent wood stain is available in a variety of shades, from light oak to deep mahogany. Solid wood stain can be mixed in almost any colour and retains its natural wood structure.
Staining wood; How do you stain wood?
Staining wood is easy with the right preparation and technique. For best results, follow these steps:
- Preparation: Carefully degrease and sand the wood or old paint layers and remove dust and dirt. Repair any damage such as cracks. When doing so, take the finishing into account (e.g. do not use white filler in combination with a transparent stain finish)
- Application: Apply the wood stain evenly and uniformly with a flat brush in the direction of the wood grain.
- Drying time: Allow the stain to dry thoroughly. Observe the drying times on the tin. For optimal protection, lightly sand the first coat using fine sandpaper after it has dried before applying a second coat.
- Second layer: For long-lasting protection and a deeper colour, apply a second coat of stain.
What is non-transparent stain?
Non-transparent or solid stain provides a layer of colour that completely covers the wood. This type of stain is ideal for projects and wooden objects where you want to hide the wood grain or unsightly patches, but still show the wood structure such as wooden furniture or outdoor constructions. This type of stain protects the wood well against the elements.
When do you use outdoor stain?
Outdoor stain is specially designed to protect wood in the outdoors. It offers better resistance to weather influences such as rain, sun and temperature changes than outdoor paints can. Outdoor stain is moisture-regulating and therefore extremely suitable for wooden surfaces such as fences, sheds, canopies, garden sheds, garden furniture and other garden wood.
Which stain colours are popular?
“The choice of stain colours is personal and depends on your project. Some popular colours in a transparent finish are:
Natural oak: For a light, natural look.
Teak: For a warm, tropical look.
Walnut: For a dark, classic look.
There are several popular colours for solid wood stain. They include:
Gray: For a modern and sleek look.
Blue: For timeless chic.
Green: For a rural feeling.
Tips for choosing the right stain colour
The choice is huge. Do you prefer a wood colour in transparent stain or opt for your favourite colour in a solid (non-transparent) stain? When choosing a wood stain colour, consider the following:
Style of the project: Choose a colour that matches the rest of your interior or garden.
Light incidence: Take into account how the colour looks in different light settings.
Sample piece: Always test the colour on a small piece of wood before you start. When opting for transparent stain, the more layers, the darker the colour.
How do you maintain stained wood?
Maintenance is essential to keep stained wood looking beautiful for longer and provide the surface with long-lasting protection. Regularly cleaning the wood with a soft cloth and mild soap prevents moisture and dirt from accumulating. Depending on exposure to sun, wind and rain, it is a good idea to re-stain the wood every few years, especially with transparent wood stain.
Why choose stain over paint?
Stain and paint both provide good protection and both have their benefits, but here are some reasons to choose stain:
Natural look: Stain preserves the natural structure of the wood. By treating wooden furniture with stain you retain its natural appearance and warmth.
Deep protection: Stain penetrates the wood, providing deeper protection than varnish.
Moisture regulation: Stain regulates moisture, thus giving the wood the opportunity to regulate excess moisture.
When choosing to stain?
“If you are working with untreated wood you can choose between painting or staining. By applying stain you give the untreated wood a natural look, like a ‘paint’ that penetrates the wood and thus provides it with protection. Treated wood can also be stained, especially with the right preparation. Sand the wood thoroughly and choose the colour of wood stain you want. In both cases, apply the stain with a flat brush in the direction of the wood grain.
Stain is an excellent choice for protecting and beautifying wood. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor project, the right stain can make a world of difference. Choose the best stain for your project, follow the correct steps for application and enjoy the result.
Want to find out more about stain?
Do you want to know which stain offers the best protection for your woodwork? And which colour suits best? In that case, contact our paint experts. They will be happy to assist you and advise you on which paint is suitable for your project, free of charge.
