Choosing the Perfect Stains for Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is simply stunning when maintained, cleaned and cared for properly, with tables, chairs, decorative accessories, shelves and more all likely to draw admiration from visitors and neighbours alike. Staying on top of what your wooden furniture needs is easier said than done unfortunately, but with a wide array of oils, paints and stains to ensure your furniture and fixings are looking their very best, you’re spoilt for choice when you work with Treatex.

Let our team take you through all you need to know regarding wood stain treatments and how these products can bring your decor to life, as this detailed blog delves into everything from selecting the correct option for specific wood types, to matching with decor and the very reasons why the appearance of your wood may be declining in the first place.

Common Concerns

There are plenty of prevalent concerns around the maintenance of wooden objects and accessories, as natural wood items undoubtedly add a sense of luxury to any home, whether for indoor or outdoor use. Being natural, wood is of course susceptible to deterioration in conditions where mould, algae, fungi and wood-boring insects are present, meanwhile harsh weather conditions, as well as exposure to sunlight and heavy rainfall can cause wood to decline in appearance and quality.

Even if you’re taking special care and prioritising maintenance, wood will expectedly change colour over time, though the main cause for concern is that mechanical properties can also weaken. On the surface too, It’s natural for dust and dirt to accumulate over time, making wood look faded and scratched. If you’re dealing with antique furniture, you may need to take extra care and time to carry out any repairs or restoration work, with the main concerns hinging on a number of factors.

Wood Stains Explained

In simple terms, wood stains provide a fresh dose of colour to your decorative option, while also allowing natural features of the wood (colour and grain effects for example) to remain visible. The stain will consist of colourants. which are suspended in a finishing agent. In application, a stain works by soaking your chosen pigment into wood fibres with a solvent, having it set and bind into the wood. Mainly used for decorative purposes, stains can be used alongside oils and other products.

Visually, wood stains come in varied colours including non-wood shades and bright, striking tone options, though the most popular choices are often timber shades to enhance natural beauty and restore a traditional appearance that may have declined over time. The type of wood stain you’ll be looking for largely depends on the type of project and the type of finish required. For example wood tone colours may be favourable for a vintage garden bench or set of shelves.

Absorbency And Wood Type

Important to keep in mind when treating with any product, the absorbency of different wood types will vary, therefore you will want to ensure you’re fully aware of such circumstances before applying your wood stain, to avoid applying too much or not enough. The product itself should specify the amount you need for a balanced appearance, so once acquired, check the application details on your specific Treatex wood stain, as most stains require at least two coats.

If you’re planning to stain planed or very dense wood, three coats may be required, while on the other hand, surfaces that are highly absorbent or rough, such as fences, will use more product so the yield will be lower. If you have any doubts about the amount to apply, our experts are available to offer guidance and advice at all times.

Maintaining Your Wooden Furniture

Maintaining wooden furniture doesn’t ever need to be a huge task, especially if you’ve acquired the essential products and treatments at an early stage. The first step is to clean regularly, and a damp cloth and mild dish soap are usually all you need. As a side note, you should be sure to avoid all cleaners containing ammonia - as ammonia can damage wooden furniture. Preventing scratches. knocks and routine damage between cleans can be achieved by using protective mats and covers.

Different types of wood are commonly used in furniture, each with unique characteristics which require special care. Some are more durable and less vulnerable to wear and tear, while others may require extra attention. One attribute that persists through almost all wood types however, is a vulnerability to sunlight. The sun can be harsh on wooden surfaces, causing them to fade and lose their lustre. Water can also be problematic, as even a minor spill can lead to irreversible damage.

Tone Options

The stains and tones you opt for will likely depend on the furniture or surface itself, as well as surrounding decor, extra components and furnishings. At Treatex, we offer a number of unique options to suit your individual space, with the below finishes just a few of our most popular and suitable stains:

Colour Tones (Ultra)

Treatex Colour Tones strike the perfect balance, penetrating deep into the timber to provide an impressively natural finish, every time. Utilising natural pigments and sustainable raw materials, Treatex Colour Tones are available in a number of natural wood colours, so you can match your surfaces, without losing the original beauty of the wood.

Classic Colour Collection

You can achieve a high-quality, opaque wood finish with the Classic Colour Collection from Treatex, designed to provide attractive and durable results for a wide range of wooden surfaces. The Classic Colour Collection formula has been made to last, even under harsh outdoor weather conditions, where this finish is suitable for both exterior and interior surfaces.

Eco Colours

When choosing a paint for outdoor areas, it’s vital you pick one that can protect against harsh weather conditions and sunlight. This UV-protective paint is microporous and water-repellent, meaning it's ideal for keeping harsh conditions from affecting your wood. Offering excellent adhesion to timber surfaces, this is the best indoor and outdoor paint for your home or garden.

Treatex Ltd: Colour Tone And Wood Enhancement Options

At Treatex, we’re passionate about maintaining and enhancing the appearance of wood, and as reputable experts, we provide an expansive selection of products. Able to give your furniture and accessories a beautiful, long-lasting exterior while also protecting them from harm, our oils, stains and additives are among the very best you’ll find. On the staff side, our team has over 40 years of experience in the wood and wood finishing industries too, meaning that you can turn to us with any enquiries or questions. Likewise, browse paints, and varnishes online at your own convenience.

Has a new addition to your home sustained damage? Or perhaps a treasured piece of furniture from your garden has declined in appearance? Our premium finishes will bring out the beauty of wood, because they are both authentic and natural. Attractive, long-lasting, and simple to use on a variety of wood types, such as oak, mahogany, and teak, please get in touch with us today with any questions you may have on our options. Our team members are more than happy to assist and are highly qualified, so contact at your earliest convenience.