Stains and treatments have several roles, from protecting the surfaces to completely changing their original appearance. They can enhance the functional and visual properties, or even make the item look centuries old. At ArchiPro, we offer a variety of different stains, sealers, and other types of wood and metal treatments for a variety of uses.
A broad range of stains and treatments is available for application on several different materials. Some penetrate below the surface to enhance or change natural hues, while others sit on top, forming a protection layer.
Many stains and varnishes can be layered to support each other’s properties and make the most out of the coating. However, not all treatments are compatible for such use. Lacquer, for instance, shouldn’t be applied over oil-based stains, since its solvents will affect other ingredients and make the final result inconsistent and unappealing.
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, they also offer some protection, including UV-rays resistance.
Stain colours are available in an extensive palette of hues, while the viscous solution is mostly semi-transparent. Wood varnishes are typically oil-based and dry to form a solid protective barrier. Metallic finishes can completely change the base material’s appeal, improving its properties at the same time.
Wood varnish is transparent and mostly colourless, although some varieties contain a minuscule amount of yellow or orange pigments. It’s a timber finish essentially based on drying oils, while some formulas feature polyurethane, alkyd, acrylic, and resins. All of them need an activating agent, such as solvent or thinner, to make them applicable. As the varnish dries, the thinner evaporates, leaving a hard sealing layer to protect the surface of the wood.
Lacquer is a varnish applied by spraying rather than using a brush. Shellac and drying oils are not strictly varnishes but are often used as primers or supportive formulas.
In terms of drying speed, two types of timber varnishes are distinguished: quick and gradual hardening finishes. While the quick types can take several hours to dry, gradual ones may need several days to achieve the proper hardness.
Timber stains contain large amounts of pigment that sets and binds to the wood fibres when applied and dried. They enhance the appearance but provide little to no protection, apart from some UV-rays resistance. Timber stains should be followed by a layer of wood varnish or another type of protective coating.
Solid or opaque stains completely cover the natural structure of the wood in the same way as paints do. They are typically the most rigid varieties of stains. Another type is semi-transparent formulas, slightly less hard and designed to show timber’s character. While solid stains can hold up to five years in outdoor applications, semi-transparent ones mostly reach up to three.
Clear stain solutions contain little to no pigment and need annual re-application. Their purpose is to enhance the visual properties of wood species.
The main purpose of timber coatings is to protect wooden surfaces from elements, wear and tear, and other factors. They are distinguished by their properties and maintenance requirements.
Depending on the formula, timber coatings may be suitable for some or all kinds of applications, from garden furniture to traditional flooring. The four main categories comprise:
A metal finish is the appearance of a metal surface, sometimes completely different from its base. Almost any piece of metal can be treated with a metal finish to achieve specific properties such as texture, colour, lustre, and even artificial ageing. Many finishes also improve the functional value of a feature - like a stainless steel coating helps the faucet to resist corrosion.
It’s advised to do sample testing before buying any kind of treatment, sealers, and stains. Many solutions have a different appearance when wet or dry and can change from darker to lighter in the curing process. Pigments can also act differently, depending on the base colour of the item they are applied to. That particularly applies to wood treatments, which can make the final result quite different from what was expected.
All coatings should be used in moderation, to avoid later peeling, cracking, and chipping of the built-up product.
Interior-only formulas are not designed to be used outdoors, and can’t provide protection levels necessary for the feature - such as decking - to endure. The absence of UV-rays protection will cause the wood to turn pale or grey, while inadequate waterproofing will lead to fast rotting and use hazards.
Metal finishes can increase chemical and tarnish resistance, increasing the base material’s resistance to corrosion and mould growth.
If you need assistance to find the right stains and treatments for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, 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.