Timber Flooring | Euro Style Floors

Staining

Timber stain is a product which imparts the pigment into the pores of the timber rather than creating a film on top of the timber.

Wood stain is designed to add colour to the substrate of timber while leaving the substrate mostly visible. Final coating is applied afterwards. In principle, stains do not provide a surface coating or film. However, because the binders are from the same class of film-forming binders that are used in paints and varnishes, some build-up of film occurs.

Most wood stains for interior uses require further application of finish for protection and gloss.

Applying stains can be very easy or very difficult depending on the type of substrate, type of stain. Aged wood absorbs stains relatively well. Porosity of wood can vary greatly, even within the same piece of wood. End grain and bias-cut grain are far more absorptive, thus will absorb more pigment and will darken considerably in those areas. Woods from different species of trees can have huge variations in how well they take stain.

Stains that are fast drying will be difficult to apply in hot weather or in direct sunlight. Stains that are slow-drying will be difficult to work with in damp and cold conditions due to a greatly lengthened evaporation and curing period. New lumber, such as pine, can have waxlike sealants put on at the mill that will prevent proper staining. Stripping or sanding the surface may be required.

White stains are invariably metal oxides, namely titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and inherently do not penetrate the wood well. They remain on the surface and if wear occurs the unstained wood is easily revealed.

Here you can see wide range of colors available in stain:

Limewash

This is a product which imparts a soft milky effect to the timber. It is often applied to Blackbutt and White Oak. It enhances grain and texture of interior woodwork.

Lime wash transforms and protects all bare wood. It gives a soft wash of colour and natural matt finish that allows the beauty of the wood grain to show through.

Substrate should be sanded to expose clean bare timber free from paint, dirt, grease, oil and previous coating. Dust down before proceeding.

Color range of lime wash: