Wood finishes advice
Wax polish enhances wood’s natural beauty with a soft, classic sheen and is easy to refresh, while varnish provides a tougher, longer-lasting protective coat with a smooth finish. Both bring out the best in wood, just choose based on the look and level of protection you want.
Varnish gives wood a durable, protective finish with options from matte to gloss, making it ideal for lasting protection and a timeless look. Lacquer dries quickly to a smooth, high-gloss finish that really makes the grain pop, and it’s easy to touch up. Both deliver beautiful results, just pick the finish that suits your style and project needs.
Each of of stains offer unique features making them suitable for a wide range of projects and wood types.
- Lightfast: Resists fading in sunlight, ideal for exterior wood.
- Nitrostain: Fast-drying, rich colour, solvent-based.
- Earth: Natural pigments, subtle muted tones.
- Water-based: Low-VOC, easy to clean, safe for indoors.
No, stains are to colour and nourish wood but you will need to apply a protective layer over the top. This can be an wax, oil, varnish or combination.
A wood sealer is a protective base coat that penetrates the wood to block out moisture, reduce staining, and prepares the surface for finishes like varnish, lacquer, or wax. It helps the final finish look better and last longer.
Floors need a tough, durable finish. Most people choose varnish for strong protection against wear and spills.
Stains can be used first to add colour, while sealers help lock out moisture. Wax alone isn’t usually hard-wearing enough for floors, but can be used on top of other finishes for extra sheen.
For kitchen worktops, choose a finish that’s durable, water-resistant, and food-safe. Oils or varnishes are ideal, they protect against spills, heat, and daily wear while enhancing the wood’s natural beauty.
Stains and sealers can be used beforehand to adjust colour and improve protection, and a thin layer of wax can add extra sheen if desired.
For decking, choose a finish that protects against weather, UV rays, and moisture.
Exterior varnishes, decking oils, or water-repellent stains work best, they enhance the wood’s appearance while keeping it durable outdoors.
Regular maintenance helps your deck stay beautiful year after year.
Start by sanding the wood smooth, removing any dust, dirt, or old finishes. If desired, apply a sealer to block moisture and even out the surface.
Once clean and dry, the wood is ready for stains, oils, varnishes, or waxes, proper preparation helps the finish look its best and last longer.
Knotting is a sealant that stops oils and natural resins from the wood from seeping out and causing the paint or wood finish to lift or discolour.
If you are applying a paint or finish to completely untreated wood, we recommend using knotting solution.
