If you’re about to embark on a woodworking project, you might be wondering whether you should oil or stain it. So that’s a good place to start.
The two products have distinct advantages and drawbacks, and they may be preferable based on your particular needs and task. The difference between staining and oiling wood is shown in terms of endurance, look, application, and upkeep.
Read on to learn more about wood stains and oils, and which one is best for your project.
Wood Stain
Wood stains, like varnish, give wood a glossy sheen and turn an average piece of timber into a vibrant colored board. Stains are made up of vivid dyes and hues that provide a protective coating to your boards.
The sun can cause wood to become greyer over time, especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight. Stains add longevity to the color of your wood and protect it against fading with rich color pigments and ample application.
Water-based wood stain
Water-based stains tend to reside near the board’s surface and can increase the life of your work. Water-based stains dry much faster than their oil-based counterparts, and some people claim that they stay bright longer. If you’re in a hurry and need to complete a task quickly, a water-based wood oil would be ideal for you.
Oil-based wood stain
Oil molecules are significantly smaller than water molecules, which means that oil-based wood stains go deeper into the board than water-based ones. They act as a moisture barrier on the board’s surface below the topcoat. Oil-based stains are more resistant to wear and tear than water-based stains.
Wood stains can leave a plastic-like covering on the board’s surface. This layer serves two purposes: it is both a seal and a weather guard.
Wood Oil
Wood oil is similar to lotion for your wood. Wood oil comes in various colors and may be clear or tinted. The color of wood oil will generally be quite close to that of natural wood, while transparent oils will simply enhance the grain’s natural hue and appearance.
Wood oils boost the look of wood and also enhance its longevity. Oils moisturize and protect against moisture damage over time. To prevent sun damage, oils enter deep into the board and include special UV filters.
It is easy to keep oiled wood in excellent shape; all you have to do is sand damaged regions and apply a fresh coat of oil.
Is It Better to Use Oil or Stain for Wood?
What product should you use? Consider the following questions to make your selection:
Is it for a log home or a cabin?
Use wood stain to extend the life and appearance of your timbers.
Is it a wet, humid region with a lot of rain?
If your project will be in a wet or humid environment, you’ll need to seal the wood. Wood oils strengthen the board and can even make it rainproof because the rain or humidity has a harder time entering through the board. When exposed to excessive rain and humidity, the wood stain’s plastic-like surface may fracture, chip, or peel if moisture seeps through the seal.
Is it critical to match the color on the can?
It’s difficult to assure a perfect color match, but stains are typically more colored than oils and will come closer to the color on the can.
Do you have a tight deadline to meet?
Water-based stains are the greatest option for staining hardwood because they dry faster than other products.
Do you only want to keep the wood’s natural color?
Oils can be used to preserve and enhance the color of wood, while stains may be utilized to change its color.
Do you believe you may change your mind later?
If you intend on changing the appearance of your project in the future, you should know that it’s almost impossible to evenly lift, strip, and remove wood stains from timber.
Osmo Wood Stain
If you want to stain your timber project, Woodavenue recommends Osmo Wood Stains since this brand is one of the finest.
OSMO Natural Oil Woodstain has the following benefits:
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- Extremely resistant to weather and UV damage.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor framework
- Water and dirt resistant
- Natural wood grain is concealed.
- Microporous, breathable finish
- No need to sand the floor for future applications.
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The colours available for Osmo Oil Woodstain range from pale white to deep ebony and rosewood. Take a look at the different choices here.
OSMO Opaque Gloss Wood Stain preserves the colour of the timber while making it glossy. Though you should keep in mind that it has a slight yellowing effect on dark indoor surfaces.
You may also trust our Woodavenue team to answer any further queries you might have about your specific project. Visit Us or Give us a call at 02071180709.
