Timber and Wood Stains

About Timber Stains

Stains and treatments comprise a range of surface covers that penetrate the wood pores or protect its surface. They support the protective properties of other layers while enhancing the timber’s visual features. Most types of wood stains in New Zealand add colour, while their semi-permanent character allows texture and grain effects to remain visible.

Timber stains are soaking pigment inside the wood with the help of a solvent. Once dried, it sets and binds to the fibres. While used mainly for aesthetics in New Zealand, they also offer some protection, including UV-rays resistance.

Stain colours are available in an extensive palette. Specific varieties for wood such as mahogany, oak, teak, or cedar stains allow the species to maintain their authentic appearance and display their natural beauty most appealingly.

In terms of durability, timber stain should always be followed by a protective clear topcoat, such as wood varnish.

Advantages of Using Wood Stains

It highlights the authentic colour and texture to make the most out of its appeal.
A variety of choices available in New Zealand from clear to tinted stain, allow for easy matching with other wooden features in the room.
It’s DIY-friendly.

Preparation and Application

Preparation is always the key, and failing to do it right will have a substantial effect on the final result.

A brush, ideally with a natural bristle, should be used for removing any dust and debris before other steps.
Next, the wood surface should be sanded until smooth, starting with coarse paper and working the way up to the fine one (120-150 grit). Leaving the surface rough will result in wood absorbing a larger amount of stain, ending up with a darker finish. Also, it will lower the visual quality of all other protection layers that may follow.
After sanding, all the residue should be removed using a dry brush followed by a clean, damp cloth.
The wood stain can be applied once the cleaned surface is dry. The type of coating will determine the tools, starting from the suitable brush. Some general directions suggest a synthetic brush for water-based varieties and a natural bristle brush for solvent-based ones.
The wood should be given sufficient time to dry completely.

Types Of Timber Stains

There are many different versions and brands available on the market in New Zealand. The most common categorisation distinguishes them by the consistency of the formula, from water-based to gels and oil-based stains. The right choice largely depends on the desired finish.

Oil-Based

The wood oil stain makes the most common choice in New Zealand due to its durability and strong penetration properties. Although drying slightly slower than other types, deck oils pay off in even finish, easily achieved.

Water-Based

Water-based wood stains are environmentally friendly, typically containing a minuscule amount of polluted particles. They also penetrate the wood less deeply than oil-based varieties. Watery formulas come with the benefit of drying very fast - therefore, staining large surface areas is best to break into sections for more accessible and even application.

Varnish

Varnishes are very similar to oil-based stains, except that they dry hard and tend to be somewhat challenging to apply. Their benefit is the shorter period after which it’s safe to wipe off the excess. Rather than waiting for the coat to dry completely, the excess can be removed after 15 minutes.

Gel Wood Stains

A jelly-like form keeps the stain even and steady. The gel doesn’t leak or flow, making the application much more accessible. On the other side, gel wood stains are not able to penetrate the wood as deeply as different stain types and take a longer time to dry.

Wood Stains Opacity
Solid

Solid or opaque deck stains can last up to five years in outdoor conditions in New Zealand. In contrast to typical semi-permanent and clear varieties, solids cover the natural structure of the wood in the same way as paint. For that reason, they are more suitable as decking treatments for dull-looking timber such as pine, where covering the grain won’t degrade the appearance.

Semi-Transparent

This is the most common choice in New Zealand for wood with a character worthy of displaying, such as oak or cedar. Their downside is durability - semi-transparent stains are not as tough as the good-quality solid ones. Their top performance outdoors is limited to up to three years on a deck.

Clear

Featuring little to no pigment, clear solutions are ideal for accentuating the beauty of the natural grain wood. They typically need to be reapplied once a year. However, without any content to resist UV-rays, the stained wood will inevitably change its appearance over time and turn pale or grey.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Timber Stains

Every piece of wood is unique; hence sample testing is strongly advised before buying in New Zealand. The sample should be allowed to dry properly to display accurate results. Most colours change to lighter or darker during the drying process.

Solid timber coatings should be used in moderation and with caution. Applying several layers can make them buildup, leading to cracking, chipping, and peeling.

Apart from natural wood hues, it’s possible to find black wood stains, as well as white, red and grey timber stains.

If you need assistance to find the right timber stains for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to various professionals in New Zealand, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.