Wood stain buying guide

Wood stains are finishing products designed to protect bare or stripped down wood while also bringing out the beauty of the wood grain. Stains can be used on any kind of upright or horizontal surface but if you want to stain a hardwood floor, stairway or decking, you will need to seal the floor using a floor sealer or wax first for extra protection. Wood stains are made up of pigments, solvents and binders. They are both water-resistant and microporous meaning they stop water and humidity from getting into the wood while also letting it breathe.

Water-based stains are generally recommended for use indoors while oil-based stains are best for exterior use. When it comes to picking a finish, it's entirely up to you. The pigments in tinted stains will protect your wood from UV rays and stop it from turning grey over time. In terms of application, wood stains are fairly quick and easy to apply but you will usually need two coats.

When it comes to picking a wood stain, you have the choice between two main types: oil-based and water-based. More recently, natural wood stains have also joined the market.

Water-based wood stains

Water-based wood stains use water as the solvent and an acrylic or resin as a binder. Water-based stains can be used indoors and outdoors and are easy to apply – especially since you can wash your tools with water afterwards! These stains also dry much quicker than oil-based stains, they don't emit a strong smell and release fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). However, water-based stains are less hardwearing than oil-based stains and will only last about 3 to 5 years depending on how exposed the wood is. On the other hand, oil-based stains can be expected to last 8 to 12 years. A water-based stain also provides less UV protection and won't protect wood from extreme weather conditions.

Oil-based wood stains

Oil-based wood stains contain mineral spirits which may be listed as petroleum distillates or aliphatic hydrocarbon in the ingredients. These stains are very weather-resistant and also provide protection against UV rays. In terms of durability, an oil-based stain can last up to 12 years before you need to strip back the wood and reapply.

However, oil-based stains do emit VOCs which can be released into the air indoors. These products also usually contain chemicals which are harmful for the environment. Oil-based stains release a strong smell and take longer to dry than water-based stains. You will have to wash your tools in white spirit after application.

Natural wood stains

While somewhat less common that the above options, it's now possible to buy natural wood stains. Also know as non-toxic or environmentally friendly stains, these products are made using things like wax or linseed oil. It's even possible to create DIY stains using ingredients like beer or soybean oil! Natural wood stains don't contain any petroleum and release very few VOCs.

Wood stain can have a liquid or gel consistency. Each option offers a wide range of finishes and colours.

Matt, satin or glossy wood stain

Wood stains can provide a satin, glossy or matt finish. Satin or glossy finishes tend to enhance the look of the wood more, but it's entirely up to you to pick the finish you like best. Matt finishes are best for masking imperfections but they will also cover up more of the wood grain.

Clear, tinted or coloured wood stain

• Clear wood stain preserves the natural look of the wood but is best for indoor use as it won't provide UV protection.

• Evenly lightly tinted wood stains provide more UV protection and bring out the natural colour of the wood.

• Coloured wood stains change the colour of the wood more drastically but will still leave the wood grain visible. It's worth noting that as the wood stain is designed to penetrate deep into the wood, you may never be able to strip back the wood to its original colour.

Indoor wood stains

Indoor wood stain can be used on almost all types of wood with the exception of oily woods like teak (unless you use a primer designed specifically for this purpose). Indoor wood stain is used to protect and improve the look of furniture, doors, beams, window frames and so on. Water-based stains are best for indoor use unless you are decorating a room that has to deal with a lot of moisture such as a kitchen or bathroom in which case an oil-based stain should be used.

Outdoor wood stains

Just like indoor wood stains, exterior wood stains can be used on almost all types of wood except oily woods which need to be primed first. Outdoor wood stain can be used to protect things like shutters, doors, fences, garden sheds, window frames and so on.

Oil-based stains are usually used outdoors as they are more weather-resistant. Some are designed specifically to cope with more extreme weather conditions. It's also worth bearing in mind that even a light tint will prevent wood greying which is caused by UV rays.

Wood stain can be applied directly to bare wood or on top of a primer (for example, a restoration primer or a wood sealer for oily wood).

Preparing the surface

• Bare wood, or wood that has already been stained, should be lightly sanded then dusted.

• Varnished or painted wood needs to be stripped thoroughly before staining.

Applying the wood stain

• Wood stain can be applied using a paint brush or a block brush. Always work with the direction of the wood grain.

• Two coats are required and you may even need three if the wood will be exposed to extreme conditions.

• Leave the stain to dry for three to four hours between coats.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions at all times.