Extra Durable Woodstain

Wood stains and dyes change the colour of timber while letting the grain show through. The category covers exterior woodstains for windows, doors, sheds and fences, outdoor furniture stains, and interior wood dyes for furniture and joinery, in shades from natural pine and oak through teak and mahogany to walnut, ebony and grey.

Stain or dye

Wood dyes are thin liquids that soak into the wood and colour it but give little protection on their own, so finish them with a clear varnish, oil or wax. Woodstains usually colour and protect in one product, drying to a satin or gloss finish without a separate top coat. Check whether a product is for interior use, exterior use or both, and whether it is water or solvent based, as this affects drying time and how you clean brushes.

Preparation and application

• Start with clean, dry wood. Sand bare timber smooth, then remove all the dust.
• Stir the tin well and test the colour on an offcut or hidden area first, as the final shade depends on the timber.
• Brush along the grain and leave the drying time on the tin between coats. Exterior stains usually need more than one coat, and a light sand before the final coat helps the finish.
• Small tins are useful for testing colours and for small repairs.

Safety

Work in a well-ventilated space, and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data, especially for solvent-based products and disposal of rags.

For a clear protective top coat over dye, see varnish, or for a natural oiled finish see wood oils.