If you are fairly new to DIY and in particular decorating, then you may not be aware that in most cases you can’t simply just restain over an already stained timber surface or object without doing a certain amount of prep work first.

If you inadvertently wipe off too much stain or dye, simply brush on some more and then gently wipe off the excess until you match the surrounding colour tone. After staining wood, you should finish the job by sealing the stain in with one of our Wood Waxes, Wood Varnishes or Wood Oils. These will enhance the colour of the stain further, provide additional protection and can be used to alter the finish to either satin or gloss. Wood Stain OptionsAfter you’ve stained the wood your desired colour you’ll then need to seal and protect the wood using a finish of your choice. We have a wide variety you can choose from; A. We recommend leaving the stain to soak into the wood for one or two minutes before wiping the excess off. This will prevent the stain from staining the wood too dark; you can then apply a second application of Wood Stain if you want to darken the wood further. In all instances, ensure the surface is clean and any saw dust or dirt has been removed before applying the Wood Stain. Applying Wood Stain Once all lightly sanded off you should have a great base for your stain. 3 A. Applying a new Coat of Wood Stain the Same Tone or Darker than the Existing Stain Using wood stain on external items and surfaces offers both homeowners and professionals several big advantages. For example, it prevents the wood from rotting if it hasn't already been sealed. It also protects wood from moisture and sun damage, preventing the wood from breaking in freezing temperatures and unsightly discolouration.

once applied, carefully look over the surface for any blemishes or brush marks and gently wipe these off using your clean cotton rag. All our Wood Stains are water-based and so safe to use in all environments. There are solvent and oil based stains available but these are typically based on older formulations that have been improved with modern day water-based alternatives. Staining Wood A. Wood Stain is designed to penetrate into the wood and so the longer you leave it on the more it will soak in and the darker the wood will become. Wood can also only absorb so much stain before it becomes saturated and so any excess would then dry on the surface. This is why we recommend wiping the stain off after one or two minutes.Wood Stains are a type of paint used to colour wood; a pigment is dissolved into water or solvent and applied to the wood. This is the basis behind traditional types of wood stain that will penetrate deep into wood. You will also find products designed for staining wood where the pigment has been added to a finishing agent such as an oil or varnish. However, these will just ‘tint’ the surface of the wood and so will wear off with use and will need to be re-applied. Types of Wood Stain Applying a coat of varnish will protect the surface beneath it and prevent water and moisture damage as well as light impact damage. Using a 220 grit piece of sandpaper, sand over a small inconspicuous area. As you sand, if the colour begins to fade and the natural colour and tone of the timber starts to show through, chances are that the timber you’re working with has been stained. Brush on the sealer using long brush strokes running in the same direction as the wood grain. Gently brush off any excess sealer using a dry brush to prevent any visible brush strokes from showing up.

Once fully dried both sides and you are happy with the overall finish and colour, depending on the type of stain or dye you have used, you may then need to seal it and then varnish over it to protect it. 4. Applying Varnish Over Wood Dye or Stain Once you know what the existing finish is, it will then need to be prepared using the steps outlined above. Once correctly prepared you can then apply your new stain.Wood Stains are really easy to apply. Simply dip you brush into the stain and wipe it onto the wood following the direction of the grain. The wood will absorb the stain changing in colour to match that of the stain. Once you’re finish, simply wash the brush under a tap of warm water. Wood Stain Colours In terms of what varnish to use, one point to be aware of is that not all types of varnish are compatible with all types of stain, dye or sealer. If the wood is old it may be painted or varnished. If so, remove any old coatings using a paint and varnish remover. Or, if the wood has been treated with an oil or wax, wipe the surface down with mineral spirit to remove this. After removing the old finish, sand smooth.