Is varnish and stain the same thing?
Varnish and stain are two common finishes used to protect and improve the appearance of wood surfaces. But these two products are not the same thing. Stains cause your wood to change a new color, while the varnish is clear and provides a protective layer to your wood.
Can You stain over varnish?
You can apply stain over varnish but the varnish will have to be well sanded before the stain can be applied over it. This is because varnish is a protective sealant and as such is designed not to let any moisture (oil or water) penetrate it. Stain however is designed to penetrate a surface to allow it to stick.
What is the difference between staining and varnishing wood?
What’s the difference between a varnish and a stain?
- Use a natural bristle or soft nylon brush to remove dust and any loose fragments.
- Sand your timber until the surface is smooth. If possible, complete this step outdoors to minimise the dust in your workspace.
- Dust the wood with a clean and dry brush.
- Clean your work area. ...
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the area clean. ...
How long after staining can I varnish?
That depends on proper conditions and what type of stain is used. Generally, oil-based stains dry slower and take between 3-5 days to completely dry. Water-based stains usually dry in only about 2 days. Both stains require 24-hr curing before pieces can either be touched or used.
Is it better to varnish or stain wood?
Knowing how to compare varnish vs stain can help determine what is best for your home or woodworking project. In any case, varnishing may be better since it creates a protective barrier on the wood surface. Staining only enhances the color without offering protection against wear and tear or weather elements.
Do I need to varnish after staining?
Yes, sealing wood after staining it is essential to protect it from damage and discoloration from foods, liquids, human touch, and piercing objects. While wood stain may seal the pores and offer some protection from moisture and water damage, its primary purpose is to color natural wood.
Why would you varnish over a wood stain?
A varnish or a sealer is intended to be a top protective coating for the wood that will protect it from the elements and wear and tear during use. Thus, a wood finish such as varnish is always required as a top-coat over a stain to provide that protective, durable finish for the wood.
Can you varnish or stain?
Yes, you can stain over varnish without any issue. But staining varnished wood is different than staining untreated wood. Clean and sand the wood using fine-grit sandpaper before applying stain over varnish to remove dust, debris and to emphasize wood grain which helps to take the stain better.
Is stain enough to protect wood?
Stains don't protect wood. Stains color wood. Aside from some stains that come with a polyurethane blend, or say, colored danish oil, you will need to apply a topcoat over your stain to protect the wood from UV damage, scratches, spills, etc.
Does varnish darken wood?
It provides a good amount of protection to the wood, dries fast, and most importantly; it never yellows, so the wood color is protected from darkening. Alternatives for water-based polyurethane can be shellac and clear lacquer that also will not darken the wood.
Do I need to stain wood before varnishing?
Generally varnishes are clear, and a stain is used before applying the varnish, if colour is needed. Varnishes with added colour are often intended to enhance the appearance of wood, or even give it some extra colour, which is easier and quicker that staining and then varnishing in t two step process.
Is there a stain and varnish in one?
Minwax PolyShades combines stain and polyurethane in one simple step. Each coat provides rich color and lasting protection while enhancing the wood grain.
Can I stain wood without sanding?
4:0410:40Stain Without Sanding the Existing Finish Off With General FinishesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's the same process. You need to mix it up really well this is really chunky in the can. So youMoreIt's the same process. You need to mix it up really well this is really chunky in the can. So you got to mix it. Really good until it's nice and smooth. I'm using a foam applicator.
When should you varnish wood?
Varnish can prevent scratches and abrasions on table tops. As well as waterproofing the wood, varnish can also prevent wooden surfaces from getting scratched. Finishing wood with a product such as varnish, serves to protect wood from the little knocks and spills that are inevitable in a busy family home.
Is wood stain and varnish the same?
Wood stain soaks into the wood, and is intended to change the color of the wood. It doesn't offer any protection. Comparably, wood varnish is a protective coating that sits on top of wood, and acts as a barrier against water and dirt. Often times, woodworkers will use both products when finishing a piece.
Do you sand stain before varnish?
You don't need to sand after staining before applying polyurethane. You only need to allow enough time for the stain to dry before applying polyurethane. But, if you are a perfectionist, you can feather sand the surface using super fine-grit sandpaper(400-500).
What is Varnish?
Varnish is a clear top coat commonly used for sealing and protecting wood. Varnish is also used to protect stains and paints used on wood. The term “varnish” refers to resins that have been dissolved in a liquid for application on wood, metal, and other materials.
What is Stain?
Stain or wood stain refers to a paint type used to alter the color of the wood. The term “stain” refers to the paint’s ability to literally stain or change the natural color of wood.
Varnish Vs Stain: Head To Head
So which of these two finishes is better, stain or varnish? Let’s compare both to find out. Let’s start with the paint make-up.
Varnish vs Stain: Comparison Chart
Here is a chart that summarizes the difference between varnish and stain:
What Is Stain?
Stain is a liquid substance that alters the color of wood. It seeps into the wood grain, penetrating deeply beneath the surface and staining the wood into a new color.
What Is Varnish?
Although there are some varnishes that have a color tint to them, for the most part, varnish is a clear substance that creates a hard-shell layer of protection and durability for your wood. While stain soaks into the wood, varnish sits as a layer on top of the wood.
Types Of Stain & Varnish
There are many kinds of both stain and varnish. The different varieties offered come from a different chemical makeup of the product, as well as the different color or finish options we mentioned above.
How Do Stain And Varnish Work?
Stain works by seeping into the wood and staining the wood grain. Much like spilled coffee would turn a white carpet brown, a stain will change the color of your wood.
What Do Stain And Varnish Look Like Dry?
When dry, stain generally appears matte. After applying it to your sanded wood, allow it time to truly seep into the wood grain and dry completely. This process can take anywhere from 24-72 hours.
When To Use Stain Or Varnish?
When to use a stain or varnish will depend on what you want to do with your woodworking project. If you want to change the color of your wood, use stain. If you want to apply a layer of sealing protection, use varnish.
How to stain wood before varnishing?
You should prepare the surface for applying a stain in the same way as preparation prior to varnishing. Cover all the cracks with medium-grit sandpaper. Add a filler that will not show up after staining the surface. A lint-free cloth works best for applying stain to the wood.
Why do we use varnish?
We use varnish to protect the surface of wood, but also to enhance its good looks. Varnish usually is transparent and hardens to form a protective film once dry. Some varnishes contain color for added effect. You can get varnishes in different finishes like satin and gloss.
How to apply varnish to wood?
It mainly applies to polyurethane varnish. The best way of applying varnish to the wood is by using a lint-free cloth. However, it is not uncommon to see woodworkers applying it with a brush or a roller. Once you apply the first coat, you need to rub it down with fine-grit sandpaper or 0000 steel wool.
What type of varnish is used for MDF?
We often add this type of varnish to other varieties of varnish. Alkyd varnish is modified vegetable oil. It is a clear wood varnish extracted from alkyd resin. It offers adequate UV protection so that you can use it indoors as well as outdoors. You can use alkyd varnish on MDF and many varieties of wood. It is possible to use it to cover existing paint, but you need to take care that the surface is clean and free from flaking.
What is polyurethane varnish?
It has a high degree of heat resistance, as well. With polyurethane varnish, you get a clear and hard finish that comes in gloss, satin, or matte.
What is a finish on wood?
A finish can take the form of paint, varnish, oil, or stain. Varnish and stains are two widely-used substances for applying a finish to the surface of the wood. We use a finish to enhance the look of the wood and to make it more durable. There is often confusion between varnish and stain, so we attempt to put all doubts to rest in this post.
What is marine varnish?
Marine Spar Varnish (Amazon) The other names for this varnish are “spar” and “marine” varnish. Originally it coated the wood on boats due to the flexible but watertight film that it forms. Way back then, gloss and UV protection was low on priority.
Wood Stain Vs Varnish: The Primary Differences
The main difference between wood stain and varnish is the purpose – wood stain colors the wood, varnish protects it.
Using Stains and Varnishes
As we’ve discussed above, wood stain is intended to color the wood, while varnish is intended to protect the wood. Because of this, woodworkers frequently use both wood stain and varnish on a single piece.
Not Sure Which Wood Finish?
Make the decision simple! Subscribe to my newsletter, and get the FREE Choosing a Finish Flowchart to determine exactly which finish is right for your project.
What is the difference between varnish and stain?
The most significant difference between varnish and stain is the color-changing attributes. Wood stain absorbs into the wood to alter the color and look. This color change is permanent and needs to be touched up periodically to retain the look.
What is the purpose of varnish and stain?
Varnish and stain are two common finishes used to protect and improve the appearance of wood surfaces. But these two products are not the same thing. Stains cause your wood to change ...
How long does it take for varnish to dry?
Stain dries in 15 to 30 minutes, whereas varnish can take four to six hours. But if you are using oil based stains, it takes three days to dry and seal.
What is the best way to change the color of wood?
Varnish and Stain Wood Finishes. Wood stain permanently changes the color of your wood. They’re great for showing the wood grain, highlight existing natural tones, and penetrate deep to hold the color. You may need to add a top coat to your stain to give it extra protection.
Do you need to stain before varnishing?
Stain should be applied before you add your varnish. Your surface should be prepared beforehand by sanding any rough areas or blemishes and filling any cracks. You should not apply stain to wood covered in dirt or debris. Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe the surface before staining.
Can you stain wood to give it a different look?
If you want to give your wood a different colour, you should use a wood stain. You can find stains in multiple colours to give your timber surface a different look. And wood stain can be used indoors and outdoors on a variety of wood surfaces. Stain should be applied before you add your varnish.
Does varnish change the color of wood?
Varnishes adhere to the top of the wood instead of penetrating down into the grain. While varnish will brighten the colour of the wood, it won’t change it like a stain. The varnish is a transparent barrier that protects your wood and stain.
What are the Differences between Wood Stain and Wood Varnish?
As mentioned above, choosing the right product- whether it is wood stain or wood varnish- comes down to what you need these products for in your woodworking project. Now, you can apply wood varnish over wood stain, but this is not required, and it is not necessarily a standard practice when using either of these products.
How to Choose the Right Type of Wood Varnish
If you are looking for a wood varnish, you have likely noticed many different types. And, unless you know the differences in the various types of wood varnish, you may not be able to make the right choice for your project.
How to Choose the Right Wood Stain
Now, switching gears from wood varnish to wood stain, knowing how to choose the right wood stain will look a lot different. Here, you will not be concerned about the type of wood stain (as there are not the same types of options as there are when it comes to wood varnish).
How long does varnish take to dry?
Varnish is thicker than lacquer, and typically applied with a brush. Varnish requires four to six hours or longer to dry. Provides better overall moisture-resistance than lacquer. Some formulations of varnish are suitable for exterior use.
What does stain do to wood?
What Stain Does. Wood, in its natural state, is somewhat benign. Stain is the first step you can take to bring out the wood's beauty. Complex, hidden grain patterns lie under the surface, and they might never be found without the use of stain. It adds definition and color.
How long does it take for oil based stain to dry?
Oil-based stain requires 72 hours or more to dry. Can be recoated at regular intervals, such as every six months to renew the finish. Brings out deeper, more pronounced patterns and color than solvent or water-based stain. Won't produce a hard surface when used without a top coat.
What is water stain?
Water- or solvent-based stain is a mixture of water and pigment, or solvents and pigment. When it's applied to wood, the solvents or water evaporate, leaving the colored pigment behind.
What is oil based stain?
Oil-based stain penetrates deeply. It adds color without raising the grain, and doesn't always require a film-forming top coat to protect wood. Oil-based stain allows for more workable time than solvent- or water-based stain before it dries.
Is varnish the same as lacquer?
Sometimes referred to generically, lacquer and varnish are not the same thing. Varnish is made from oils and resin. Lacquer is solvent-based.
Can you use water based stain on wood?
May cause grain to raise. Water- and solvent-based stain is used the majority of the time in woodworking, because it's fast and user-friendly. It's typically applied with a brush or cloth, but can be sprayed on. Use it for moldings, trim and cabinets. Follow it up with a film-forming top coat of your choosing.
Wood Stains and Finishes
Wood stains are absorbed by the wood and mimic the color of a particular species of wood. (This could be the same type of wood you’re using or a completely different species, depending on your preference.)
Varnish Stains and Finishes
Varnish is a clear, transparent coating that lays on top of the wood. Varnish is durable and hard and comes in a variety of sheens – from flat to glossy.