Surface Finishes - Timber

Question 1

Stains

Answer 1

Stains are applied to enchance or change the colour of a natural timber.

• Applied with brush or cloth
• Does not protect timber
• Varnishes with stains can be bought however, these are hard to apply.

Question 2

Preservatives

Answer 2

These products are applied to wood to help repel water and moisture, and in some cases resist insect attack.

• Traditionally brown colours, recently a range of colours
• Easy to apply with a brush
• Commercial preservatives : added to timber through tanalising

Question 3

Varnish

Answer 3

Varnish can achieve a similar finish look to polish, bit gives better protection to the surface.

• Different types i.e. Modern Polyurethane, Acrylic
• Build up in layers, each layer drying before sanding
• Final coat can have a wax applied for a high quality finish

Question 4

Oils

Answer 4

Oils are applied to enchance the natural oils already present in the wood.

• Applied with cloth
• Built up over layers
• Oil soaks into the timber, enchancing its ability to repel moisture without ereating a layer on top of the wood