Precision Staining | Wood Stain Vs Varnish: Wood Finishing Comparison

Wood stain Vs varnish: Wood finishing comparison: Selecting a Finish

Josh Richards • Oct 04, 2022

Wood Stain vs Varnish

People seem to be divided over the debate between varnish vs. Stain. However, many people ask, "Should I use varnish on my wood or stain?".
You have this great piece of wood furniture or another project, and you want to protect it against the harming elements and make sure it lasts for years to come. Wondering which one you should use for your project? There are good reasons for this because choosing the best finish for you is really about your application and preference.
Wood is a beautiful, natural material that creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere in interiors as well as exteriors. It's also a living material, so it will deteriorate when it comes into contact with external factors, such as stains, humidity, and repeated use.
Stains and varnishes are common wood finishing products for protecting wood. Both stains and varnishes protect the surface of your wood. Most of the time, Stain and varnish are used interchangeably because both are used to color and protect wooden surfaces.
However, there are distinct differences between these two products that you should know before using them on your next project. This post will look at the main differences and similarities between stains and varnishes. We will also cover how you can best use each of the two wood finishes to decide the correct type of finish for your woodworking project.

WHAT IS A WOOD STAIN ?

Stain is a type of paint used on wood to alter the color of the wood. Stain refers to the pigment that has ability to stain or change the natural color of the wood. Staining is commonly used on wooden material to add detail or décor to the wood and can also be used to darken or remove the natural look of the wood. The term "stain" is often used interchangeably with "wood dye”.

Main constituents of Stain

If you're looking for a wood stain, you're probably wondering if it's the same as paint. The answer is "not really." Stains are designed to color the wood substrate so they don't leave a protective layer on top of your wood. This is because they're infiltrating by the wood. This could be either good or not, depending on the effect you're trying to achieve. The wood's grain can be seen through any color used in your Stain. The extent of this will depend on how opaque the color in your Stain is.
A typical stain, just like paint, consists of three components; pigment, solvent or vehicle, and binder.
Solvent or vehicle makes it possible for your stain to spread onto the surface you're staining. It also helps other ingredients mix smoothly and evenly. At the same time, pigment is color component of your stain. Binder holds all ingredients together so that they don't separate during application—it's basically act like glue.
Solvent or Vehicle The solvent helps transport the pigment to the substrate (wood surface) which makes the stain simple to apply. Solvent is liquid that can be volatile such as alcohol or spirit. When the solution is applied, it is dried and leaves behind the pigment.

Pigment

A pigment can be described as the primary color component of the stain. There are a variety of kinds of pigments, but they don't alter anything for the person using it. There are many shades of stain however the most common ones are various hues of brown.

Binder

It is this component which holds the pigment on the wood. We could consider this to be an adhesive made of liquid that dries to form a solid layer of pigment that is applied to the wood's surface.

Characteristic Features of Stains

Infiltrate the grain of the wood and seal any pores providing the wood with a smooth feeling and natural look.

It can offer a certain level of protection based on the ingredients. For example, the exterior wood staining offers protection from harmful UV solar radiation.

Block the pores naturally on the wood, thereby sealing it from moisture that could harm it. Stop mildew and mold from growing on wood.

You can maintain the natural look of wood for a long period.

Wood Stain Pros and Cons

The process of staining woodworking projects comes with many advantages, but there are also a few drawbacks to consider before making a choice. What are the benefits and disadvantages of staining wood? Let's take a look!

PROS

Stains can improve the color of furniture made from wood and can make it more attractive

Wood stain protects the natural beauty of the wood grain

It's simple to apply

Some wood stains dry quickly

CONS

Wood finishes through staining will only last for a couple of years before it will require an update

Certain woods don't work well with stains.

How to apply Stain

Staining is a great way to add color and depth to your wood surfaces, but it can also be tricky. Here are some tips for getting the best results when staining:
If you want to stain your wood, you will need to prepare it the same way you would before varnishing. Fill in all cracks using medium-grit sandpaper and apply filler so that it does not show up following staining. A lint-free cloth is best for applying stains on the wood. Make sure to blend the dry and wet edges so that the lines and overlaps are hidden.
The application of a stain is an exciting method. However, it's also one that requires expertise and experience. We recommend testing your Stain on a small part of the piece you're working on before applying it to the entire piece.
If you don't apply your Stain properly or the color isn't quite right, it can be difficult to fix after the Stain has dried. To avoid these issues, we recommend testing out a small section of wood with your chosen color before applying it all over.

WHAT IS A WOOD VARNISH ?

Varnish is a coating and protection film usually associated with wood, but it is also used on other materials as well. It is translucent and sets to form a protective film when dried. Certain varnishes are colored for added impact. You can find varnishes with different types of finishes such as gloss and satin. Before applying varnish, make sure to check whether it's suitable for outdoor use or indoors.

Constituents of varnish

Varnishes are composed of strong chemical and resins that are dissolved into liquids so that it is easy to apply. Although, water-based are getting more and more sought-after for their health and environmental benefits. The chemicals and resins in the liquid, when dry, make a tough, glossy, and waterproof finish that shields wood.Like stain the three primary components to varnish.

Resin

Resin is the ingredient that provides strength and body to the final varnish. There is a vast array of substances from natural sources like tree resins and even insect secretions to organic chemicals like polymers and plastics employed for varnishes as resins. The way they interact with or react to the oil affects the characteristics that the varnish will exhibit. A choice in the resin can affect its appearance; thus, resins that do not shade the varnish are recommended.

Varnish Oils

The oils used to varnish are the primary component of your varnish. They are cured or hardened upon exposure to air, creating a protective layer that gives the final product a distinctive finish. Variation in the ratio of (and kinds of) oils and resins affects the characteristics of the Varnish. They range from the high-gloss, durable, but fragile varnishes for furniture to more flexible, soft, and weather-resistant types ideal for outdoor usage. The kind of oil you pick can impact your final "look" of the varnish. Certain oils are colored that may tint the varnish. The quality of your varnish is affected by your oil. However, additives called flatting agents could be used to decrease the gloss.

Thinner (or Solvent)

The thinner allows for the application of varnish. It's the component that thins the oils and resins, allowing it to be easily applied. The liquid should disperse and allow the resin and oil to set and harden when it's done. The thinner can come in various solvents like turps or white spirit, and water is also used in certain varnishes.

The more thinner you have in a mix, the more liquid your varnish will be. This isn't necessarily a good choice unless you plan to spray your finish. A thicker varnish creates a more dense and long-lasting coat.

Characteristic Features of Varnish

Cures into a hard finish

Protects the wood surface from physical damage by forming a scratch-resistant film on the wood surface.

Keeps wood looking great for longer period.

The hard coating also protects the wood from elements like moisture.

Occasional spills and household stains from dust, dirt, and grime will not reach inside a varnished wood and risk damaging it.

How to apply Varnish

Before applying varnish, make sure that the surface is smooth and clean wood. The varnish will bring out any flaws or imperfections on the wood's surface, so you should avoid allowing that to occur. Make use of sandpaper with coarse or medium grit to smooth the surface. After you've finished and filled in crevices and cracks where there are any, then you can begin applying the varnish.

The best method to apply varnish is to apply it using the help of a cloth or brush. Paint it on with long, sweeping strokes that run across each grain. It is possible to use an art roller if you'd like, but make sure to not speed up your roll because this can result in streaks of paint which are difficult to fix later. When you varnish wood, the initial coat serves as an initial primer. For the best results, use an even coat of varnish that has 10 percent white spirit.

Another method of applying varnish on wood is with a cloth. It is, however, common to see woodworkers apply varnish using the help of a roller or brush. After applying the initial coat, it is necessary to rub it in with fine-grit steel wool or sandpaper. As you apply successive coatings of varnish, you must make sure the surface is clean of scratches, dust, and dust.

Wood Varnish Pros and Cons

Varnish can be a fantastic option to enhance the look of the woodworking project you are working on. However, before using it, you need to know whether it is the right choice for your needs. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of varnish to make an informed decision on whether this finishing process is suitable for your next project.

PROS

Give your woodwork an extremely shiny finish that will last for a long time.

Maintains the natural look of wood, is simple to apply, and brushstrokes aren't easily visible

Protects against damage from moisture and the discoloration caused by sunlight exposure.

Creates a protective, scratch-resistant film on the wood surfaces

CONS

Likely to be difficult to chip off and is difficult to repair after application.

It is time-consuming to complete

You will need to wait for several hours between coats

Should you Buy Varnish or Stain?

Before deciding the best option take into consideration the following aspects:

Your Budget

In general, varnishes are priced slightly more than stains. But, as you'll need to protect the stain from fading, you could opt for the varnish. The cost of buying the stain or varnish will depend on your wood project and tools or supplies you need during the process.

For Protection or Color?

If you're more interested in conserving the wood and protecting it from the harsh elements and abrasions, then varnish is the option as it's more durable and robust. If you're looking to alter the color of wood or make your wood look more appealing, you need to choose Stain.

Use wood stain when:

You're looking to preserve the wood's look and appearance.

You wish to color wooden furniture a certain way but not lose the natural grain as paint can do. It also lets you observe the natural patterns that wood grains create on furniture, making it stand out.

It is best to stick with one finish for your varnish instead of applying multiple products to treat your wood.

Use varnish when:

You would like to dye the wood in a certain manner without destroying its natural grain, as paint works.

You need to preserve the wood's look and color and protect against the fading of your furniture, water damage, and other damages that could make the furniture appear older.

It also aids in preserving the natural grain of the wood.

The wood grain of your furniture to stand out.

Final Words

You've just completed reading our article on the difference between Stain and Varnish. We hope that you understood the ways and when you should utilize them, as being aware of how they work with one another. When you've mastered this, you'll be capable of finishing your woodworking projects with style by using some top finishes.

Wood Staining in Orlando

If you're looking to stain your wood in Orlando, our team of experts from Precision Staining is here to assist. We can stain and clean your fence, deck, or other outdoor wood that requires a fresh coat. We offer exceptional services that include stripping and staining, so the exterior wood will last longer and be restored. This means that it will avoid cracking, rotting, or warping and will even defend against the dangerous UV rays that come all year. Find professional exterior wood staining services for your today!

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