Wood Stain Or Varnish: What Is The Difference

We all have that one piece of lovely wooden furniture that has seen better days, it could be a chair, a sideboard, a table or a chest of drawers, and for some reason, we do not want to take it to the tip or local charity shop and have decided to restore it to its former glory. But want to cover it in wood stain or varnish?

Those woodworking projects may be an heirloom, an old wooden chest you’ve had since childhood or a keepsake handed down from a grandparent, and you want to do it justice by restoring it but are not too sure what coating to apply to it then the two choices you have, wood stains or varnishes are what you need to decide between as each one has different properties and can provide a different finish to the wooden surface of the item.

Upcycle And Recycle

The current buzzword in furniture, art, clothing and any form of manufacturing and production is sustainability, and what is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than recycling or upcycling a preloved piece of furniture?

Using it and restoring it to its original shape will save you money and boost your eco-friendly credentials.

Preparation

Once you have prepared the furniture for a coat of protection, filled in any unsightly holes in the wood grain, and gently sanded it on low-grade sandpaper, you are ready to coat it for extra protection.

If your preparation is complete and you are satisfied with how the wood’s beauty looks and feels, it is time to coat it in a protective layer of either wood stain or wood varnish, but what is the actual difference?

A Brief History Of Wood Preservatives

Origins Of Wood Stain

Wood stain is a coating applied to wood surfaces to enhance their appearance and protect them from damage. The origins of wood stains can be traced back to ancient times when people used natural materials such as berries, roots, and bark extracts to add colour to their wooden objects.

Today, many different types of wood stains are available on the market. They come in various forms, including oil-based stains, water-based stains, gel stains, and spray-on stains. Each type has its own unique properties and benefits depending on the specific application requirements.

Origins Of Varnish

Varnish has been used for centuries to protect and enhance the appearance of all types of wood. The origins of varnish can be traced back to ancient China, where a mixture of resins and oils was applied to wooden objects for fast drying protection against moisture and insects. This early varnish was made from natural ingredients such as tung oil, linseed oil, and tree resin.

Ingredients Of Wood Stain

Wood stain is a type of coating that penetrates the wood surface to enhance its natural colour and grain. The primary ingredient in the wood stain is pigment, which provides colour to the wood. Pigments can be organic or inorganic and are available in shades such as red, brown, yellow, black, etc.

Another essential component of wood stain is the solvent. Solvents help dissolve pigments and other ingredients into a liquid form that can penetrate the wood’s pores. Typical solvents used for making stains include water, alcohol, mineral spirits (also known as white spirits), turpentine oil, etc.

Binders are also added to stains to provide durability and weather resistance to the stained surface by forming a protective layer.

Ingredients Of Wood Varnish

Wood varnish is a type of finish commonly used to protect wooden surfaces from damage caused by moisture, heat, and other environmental factors. The primary ingredients of wood varnish are resin, solvent, and drying oil. Resin is the crucial ingredient in varnish that provides its protective properties.

The most common types of resins used in wood varnishes include polyurethane, alkyl, and phenolic resins. These resins provide different levels of protection depending on their chemical makeup. Solvents are added to the mixture to help thin out the resin so that it can be easily applied to wooden surfaces.

Today’s modern varnishes are typically made from synthetic resins that offer improved durability and resistance to UV light. However, many traditional recipes still use natural ingredients like damar resin or shellac flakes mixed with solvents like alcohol or turpentine to create a protective coating that enhances the beauty of wood surfaces.

Drying oils such as linseed or tung oil are also added to wood varnishes as they help accelerate the curing process by reacting with oxygen in the air. These oils result in a hard coating that protects against scratches and water damage.

Difference Between Wood Varnish And Wood Stain

Wood varnish and wood stain are different products often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Wood varnish is usually a clear coating applied to protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood surfaces. It creates a hard, durable finish and protective film that can withstand wear and tear from daily use.

Wood stain is generally a pigment-coloured liquid or oil whose primary purpose is to penetrate the wood’s surface to change its colour. They have water based variations which have environmental and health benefits as well as oil based wood stain and it is up to you which to choose.

Another significant difference between these two products lies in their longevity. While both provide UV protection for wooden surfaces against moisture and UV rays, it’s generally accepted that varnishes last longer than stains due to their thicker consistency and ability to create an impenetrable barrier over the surface of the wood.

Which Last Longer: Stain Or Varnish

When it comes to the longevity of wood finishes, both stain and varnish have their own strengths. Stain penetrates the wood fibres and enhances its natural colour, and the wood’s appearance, while also providing some protection against UV rays. However, since it doesn’t create a protective film on top of the wood, wood stains, especially water based stains are more susceptible to wear and tear over time.

On the other hand, varnish creates a protective layer on top of the wood that can withstand scratches and moisture damage. However, clear finishes like varnish can crack or peel over time on natural products if not appropriately maintained.

Which Wood Stain Do I Need

This is thoroughly dependent on what you are restoring, as some woods lend themselves better to stain than varnish. In essence, any interior woodwork and fine grained woods will be good for wood stain, and with a thin layer of varnish or wax to seal in the colour, you will have a beautiful item of furniture to be proud of.

The variety of colours and shades is endless, from water based stain, oil based stain, exterior wood stains, and a gel stain but it is advisable to stick to the shade or colour of the timber you are staining. For instance, a beech would look better in a light stain, whereas mahogany would better suit a darker shade.

These are guidelines and not rules, as you should feel free to make the furniture precisely what you want it to be.

So Many Varnishes

Again the choice of colours, shades and types of varnish can make you mind-boggle, but again, the rule of thumb is to go with the natural colour of the wood you are working on.

That said, a varnish has many different grades, from lacquer, acrylic and yacht varnish, so always read the label before applying any to your furniture.

How To Apply Wood Stain

When applying wood stain, as we have already said. It is vital to prepare the surface first. Sanding the wood with fine-grit sandpaper will remove any rough spots and create a smooth surface for the stain to adhere to. After light sanding, wipe down the wood with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Next, apply the stain evenly using a brush, lint-free cloth or rag. Unlike paint, applying a little at a time is essential, as this can lead to blotchy or uneven results. Allow the stain to soak into the wood for several minutes before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth.

To achieve a darker colour, applying multiple coats of stain may be necessary. However, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying another layer is essential.

Once you have achieved your desired colour, allow the final coat of stain to dry completely before adding additional finishes, such as wax, varnish or polyurethane coating.

Remember that different types of wood may react differently when stained and may require different application techniques. Always read and follow manufacturer instructions carefully when working with specific stains and woods.

You should apply at least two coats to any wood to ensure complete protection and an even finish.

If you are applying stain to garden furniture or any wood that will be outside for extended periods of time. In that case, at least three coats will be needed, and for extra durability, a couple of thin, transparent layers of varnish over the top as this will protect it from the elements for a little bit longer.

How To Apply Wood Varnish

When applying wood varnish, starting with a clean and smooth surface is crucial. Ensuring that the surfaces are dust and debris free is essential for a glossy appearance as the brush could become clogged and give you a less than smooth finish to the surface.

Next, apply a thin layer of varnish using a brush or roller and make sure to follow the natural grain of the wood when applying the varnish. Allow this layer to dry completely before adding additional coats.

For best results, apply at least two more coats of varnish after allowing each previous coat to dry fully. This will help provide maximum protection and durability for your wooden surfaces against scratches and other damage over time.

However, if you are applying the varnish to a piece of outdoor or garden furniture, it is advisable to use a minimum of three coats. With any exterior finishes, the more you apply, the longer the item should last before needing any more attention.