What type of finishes can you use to protect timber?

here you go friend,

Timber surrounds many Australian homes, whether it's your doors, trimming, furniture, deck or wooden floors. How do you go about choosing a stain or oil that will protect and enhance your timber? Which finish would you apply in which situation? Here are some tips to consider when you're looking to apply a finish to the timber in and around your home.

Which finish, where?

There are a variety of surface finishes on the market which protect and beautify timber while preserving its natural look. Here's a quick run-down on some of the types available and where they can be used.

Inside, Dye Stains give a beautiful result on pine and whitewood furniture, cabinets, cupboards, doors and panelling. Pigment Stains add colour without hiding the grain - they're available in decorator colours as well as timber tones.

For exteriors, Opaque Timber Stains are traditionally used for gables, weatherboards, Windows, fascias, pergolas and fences as they have considerable covering power while retaining the timber's natural character.

See-Through Timber Stains are lightly pigmented yet semi-transparent, allowing grain and texture to show through. Use on decks, patiOS, fences, beams, weatherboards and Windows. For areas exposed to strong sunlight, try one of the transparent Acrylic Finishes. They'll provide a hard-wearing finish without obscuring the colour, grain and texture of exterior timbers such as Cedar and Oregon .

Pick your colour

When choosing stain colours, remember that the shade may be slightly different to that shown on the colour chart. This is due to the colour and porosity of the timber. As a general rule, the lighter the stain colour the more it will be affected by the colour of your timber. Additional coats will intensify the colour. Most stains darken as they dry.

Please click on the following links for more information on the timber products that are available at Crockers Paint.