
Stains



Types of Stains

Exterior Stains

Interior Stains

Cleaners, Conditioners, and Sealants

Protective Finishes

One-Step Stain and Finishes

Lacquer
Materials
Waterborne
Oil-based
PolyWhey
Features of Stains
Protection
Moisture & Mildew Resistance
Colors
Sheens
Some factors, like color and sheen preferences, are subjective – you know the look you want to achieve. Your Ring’s End Paint and Stain specialists can help you navigate among the many quality stain products available so your finished product lives up to your vision. Here are a few considerations:
In general, we recommend oil-based stains for hardwoods. They are more durable and penetrate better than water-based stains. Water-based stains do retain color well and can be used on wood with natural resistance to rotting; they dry quickly and thus allow for ‘a quick fix.’ Some newer hybrid stains offer benefits of both oil-based and water-based stains.
Transparent stains do not hide wood grain and natural color while solid (opaque) stains completely conceal them. In between are semi-transparent and semi-solid stains. Your decision will be based on the finished look you want, of course, but you may also want to consider longevity. As a general rule, the more opaque the stain, the longer it will last.
Stain color chips are helpful, but remember that a stain often looks darker when applied to a large area, that it varies according to the type of wood it’s used on, and that color changes as light conditions change. If possible, first test the stain on the project itself or on a sample board.
Ring’s End Paint Centers carry a huge array of top quality wood stains and finishes for exterior and interior uses. It can be difficult, though, to figure out which product you need. For example, picking the right stain involves considering the species of wood you’re working with, the type of opacity that will create the look you want, the wear and tear you expect the wood surface to experience, and the weather conditions it will be subjected to. Talk with our knowledgeable sales representatives and color consultants: we’ll help you figure out which preparation, staining, and finishing products are right for your project.