Wood stain is used to change the colour and enhance the appearance of any timber. There are several different types of wood stains, which are used on furniture and other wooden surfaces. Stains fall into the following categories:
- Water based
- Oil based
- spirit based
- Non-grain raising
Table of Contents
Below is a helpful guide into the different kind of stains and what they are used for before polishing.
Water based Wood Stain
Water based stains are often used by antique furniture restorers, due to them being so versatile. They come in a wide variety of colours and can be mixed to achieve any desired colour. Water based stains are environmentally friendly which means they are safe to use in all environments. These are a lot safer than many other stains and have the advantage of not fading when exposed to sunlight.
Liberon Palette Wood Dye is ideal for staining and colouring any interior bare wood work around the home, whilst leaving the natural beauty of the grain visible. Palette Wood Dyes are suitable for both soft and hardwood and safe for children’s toys. Quick and uniform results can be achieved on large and small surfaces such as furniture, floors, doors, cupboards, frames and toys. Liberon Palette Wood Dyes are easy to use and come in a wide range of wood shades. The different colours can be mixed to vary the shade.
Spirit based Wood Stain
Spirit based stains are very similar to water based stains, but the main difference is they contain high levels of strong solvents, which evaporate into the atmosphere. These stains soak deep into the wood providing a good protective barrier against moisture. This type is commonly used in furniture and wood manufacturing. Spirit based stains have a tendency to be brighter in colour. They are very fast drying and have a long shelf life.
Liberon spirit wood dye is used on new, old and reclaimed timbers. It is ideal for furniture restoration before polishing. Liberon spirit wood dye is a traditional stain for colouring hardwoods such as Mahogany, Walnut and Oak, but it can also be used on some soft woods. It penetrates deep into the wood and can be mixed together to obtain intermediate shades. We offer Antique Pine, Light Oak, Medium Oak, Teak, Walnut, Dark Oak, Georgian Mahogany and Ebony.
Oil based Wood Stain
Oil based stains have a tendency to be dark in colour and are therefore widely used for reproduction furniture. Oil stains have the advantage of being able to be used on surfaces that have previously been finished. Shellac based polishes can be applied directly onto this stain without any significant lose of colour. They also offer more durability and dry faster than water based stains. The only disadvantage of oil stains, is they can fade badly if exposed to sunlight and care must be taken when polishing because if the stain is not fully dry it can bleed through the polish.
Fiddes Nitro Stain is a penetrating oil based wood stain, perfect for application onto wooden flooring or furniture. This is ideal for use under Fiddes Hard Wax Oil and is also often used in furniture restoration.
Non-grain raising Wood Stain
Non-grain raising stains or also known as NGR are one of the best varieties as they fulfil all the requirements. They are fast drying, have good penetration and they are available in a large range of colours from dark to very bright. NGR stains are formulated from soluble dyes mixed in solvents. They have been specially formulated not to raise the grain of the wood so you can achieve a flat even finish. The only disadvantage is NGR stains are very expensive.
Fiddes Non Grain Raising Spirit Stain or ‘NGR Stain’ comes in several tints, is quick drying and easy to use. This spirit based wood dye is used for exceptional depth of colour on all interior wood surfaces. It can also be mixed with Fiddes Shellac Polishes or Cellulose Lacquers to give further colour between coats.