Woodstains, oils, waxes etc

Croker · Post by **Croker** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 8:05 am

In my local hardware shed the other day I just needed some interior wood stain for a couple of plant stands I’m restoring for a family friend. When I got there I was faced with a bewildering array of products, all different types of stains, waxes, oils, varnishes, preservatives and so on.

Settled on some Ronseal wood stain in the end which has done the job, but I’m now interested in learning more about all these other products, which type is best to use for different applications etc.

Can anyone give me an idiot’s guide, or point me in the direction of an online resource please?

I don’t have any specific jobs in mind, just want to further my knowledge in this area.

Cheers

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 8:20 am

The external finishes broadly fall into wood preservatives with colour, waxy water repellant types and breathable paint finishes. The wood preservatives are generally solvent-based and penetrate the wood to provide deep protection against rot whilst the water-repellent surface stops water penetration, it does need a coat every couple of years though. The waxy types, most common, are for surface protection only. The breathable finishes like Sadloin and Bedec are protective outer paint skins that allow any moisture to escape through the microporous surface. There are variants but that is a simple guide.

DWD

Croker · Post by **Croker** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 4:27 pm

Thanks DWD, very helpful info.

I should have said in my OP (totally my mistake, sorry!) that the plant stands are actually for indoor use. After lightly sanding them I applied 3 coats of Ronseal quick drying wood stain with a satin finish which has given the desired effect. But what sort of difference would it have made if I’d used say an oil or a wax do you think? How do you know what the most appropriate product is to use?

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 8:04 pm

Sorry, my fault I missed the 'internal' bit in your first post. I like Ronseal it gives a good finish and it is pefectly fine for your job. The oil finishes can look good but they are often a bit of a faff to apply. My son had 14 new internal doors to seal and as they wanted a natural finish we did it with Ronseal quick-drying clear satin. This came in a tub with a paint pad applicator and they turned out really well. We did two coats on the doors and then a further coat on the high traffic doors. The finish is perfect, just what they wanted and the water based varnish will not yellow and the natural finish is only a slight step down in tone.

DWD

Croker · Post by **Croker** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 8:50 pm

Great stuff, thanks again.

Think I’ll just try experimenting with various finishes and see how they turn out. I’ve got loads of wood offcuts in the shed… pity you can’t weigh it in, the price of wood these days

I’ve never tried oil before so if it’s not too expensive for a small tin I will try it out.