Stains / Varnishes / Clears

Unfortunately, fame and popularity are real enemy magnets, and that is the case for timber as well. And there are a lot of them – from mould and mildew to rotting, harsh weather conditions, scratches, dirt, discolouration and abrasion. And even though it’s more prone to damage and requires more attention, we’re still willing to roll those dice. That’s simply because the trade-off makes it all worth it.

Looks that could kill, charming aesthetics, and quality. The best materials deserve the best care and the only way to provide that is using the best products. That’s why woodcare shouldn’t be a choice but a necessity. And it’s true for all wooden elements – with some minor differences, of course.

A set of wall panels outside to give your house a more modern look, a deck in your backyard, a door, a fence, window frames – everything needs your attention. And it’s not just about the looks either. The time, effort and money you put into woodcare is going to show some great returns, making the material more durable and stronger.

With Inspirations Paint, that’s exactly what you get – from varnishes, stains, and 2-in-1 solutions to clears, oils and hardeners with different colours and finishes. With the right tools, woodcare doesn’t have to be difficult!

Varnish – Protector of All Wooden Surfaces

This is a must-have in any woodworking project. As we’ve already mentioned, these wooden surfaces, as great as they look, are quite delicate and susceptible to damage. From scratches and abrasions to cracking and discolouration from sun exposure. On its own, it provides a transparent finish that creates a kind of physical barrier on the surface to prevent impact and abrasive damage. It offers a high level of water resistance and pretty good heat resistance. But that’s not all – you’ve got your water-based and your oil-based variants, with the latter typically leaving a bit more yellowish finish rather than a clear, transparent one. Whether you want your favourite table to look its best for as long as possible, or simply protect your deck - either one works great in both outdoor and indoor applications.

Wood Stain – Natural Choice

Another option for wood protection and a very popular choice – for a good reason. Unlike varnishes, the wood stain gets absorbed into the fibres rather than drying up on the top. This is why wood remains more porous, which also helps preserve its natural grain. Stains offer a good level of moisture, UV and heat protection. The variety is where this product really shines, so to speak. With plenty of different colour options, it’s easy to bring out the best qualities of wood and give it an even more eye-catching and richer appearance. A perfect choice to both, highlight and add a bit more character to your wooden surfaces or coordinate them with the rest of your décor.

Wood Stain & Varnish - Best of Both Worlds

Why not go for a mixture of both for one-step timber protection and colour? These products combine the best features of varnishes and stains for optimum performance and results. With special technology, they’re a superior and much more convenient choice for many projects. Some water-based variants require no topcoat with their special built-in protection. Style and durability in one, easy-to-use solution. A clear winner for those who want to save time – and money.

Clears – The Power of Variety

Although often used interchangeably, clears are, in fact, not the same thing as varnishes. They do serve a similar purpose, which is providing a hard finish and long-lasting protection, but their range is far more extensive. The main difference is in the contents – clears are typically much more chemical-intensive. That gives them an edge in terms of performance, providing a harder and more abuse-resistant finish, which is why they tend to be a better option for sealing wood floors.

FAQs

Should I choose varnish or wood stain?

There’s no easy answer here since both products offer similar value in terms of protection and durability. One does better than the other in certain areas, but the final decision depends on the requirements of the specific project. When in doubt, you can always consult one of our in-store experts. Without any further ado – a wood stain makes wooden surfaces look better, especially with the wide range of colours and opacity. Varnish is easier to maintain and keeps things nice and tidy, providing higher durability and a harder finish, which makes it more impact-resistant. There’s no clear winner here, but combine the capabilities of two in a 2-in-1 product - and you probably get one, amazing solution.

Should I varnish over paint?

Yes, provided it’s a water-based varnish over an emulsion paint since this type normally contains a lot of water as a paint thinner. So, the base of both products should be the same, otherwise, you might run into compatibility issues. It’s also advisable to sand the paint before applying any varnishes to even out the gloss level – at least to some extent.

Poly or Varnishes for wooden floor protection?

Again, the type of wood and desired finish will be the determining factors in the decision-making process, but if your floors should expect high traffic, then durability is key. In that case, a much safer bet would be Polyurethane clear.

What’s a timber or wood oil?

It’s a kind of decorative oil with protective features as it seeps deeply into the grain, nourishing wood from within. It can be applied to bare wood or timber. A cost-effective way to give your timber a quick makeover and bring out its natural colour. Simply put, timber has this oil inside naturally, but over time it simply dries out and it can be replaced by wood oil. It’s an additional product that can be used for extra protection.

Are there any safety precautions associated with this line of products?

It’s quite a wide range of products employing different technologies and bases, but it’s important to stick to some ground rules. Most of the woodcare products are flammable, so they should be kept away from any heat sources. They should also be stored in tightly sealed containers in well-ventilated spaces as some of them are quite chemical-intensive. It’s also important to avoid spilling, as well as skin and eye contact.