You will always apply the stain before applying the varnish, unless the varnish already has the stain mixed into it. Allow sufficient time for the solvent to fully evaporate before applying the finishing coat of say, varnish. If it is wet or cold we suggest that you leave another 24 hours over the manufacturers’ recommended drying time to be 100% safe.

Pigment: This is the part that provides the colour. Some people differentiate between pigments which are held in suspension and dyes which are dissolved in the ‘vehicle’ or solvent. Essentially it makes little difference to the user, except that pigments held in suspension will be large molecules and will not penetrate the structure of the wood as much which will make them more opaque. The colours are generally browns and wood effects, but you can get highly colourful stains which will colour wood in all manner of colours Thinner (or Solvent): This is the ingredient that thins the oils and resins to allow the varnish to be applied easily. Having done its job it should evaporate and allow the resin and oils to cure and harden. The thinner can be a range of solvents, such as turps or white spirit. Water can be used in some varnishesFloor to be varnished should first be primed with one of the following Manns wood primers. Primers aid with adhesion between the floor and the varnish and can offer a cost saving when varnishing large areas. Product It acts as a shield for the floor, protecting it from high movement while providing the sensation of natural raw wood underfoot. Now, if you’re a lover of higher-quality finish, you can scuff with 400-grit or finer sandpaper if you want, but it’s not necessary. Make sure that the stain is thoroughly mixed before you start to apply it so that you get an even colour throughout. Applying a Stain

Sand down lightly after the first application and if necessary apply another coat. This will make the colour bolder and darker. We would strongly recommend practicing on an off cut to get the measure of the stain before you start on the real thing, especially if you’re not familiar with using stains. Even if you are, it is important to see how the stain will work with your particular wood you are using. Drying Oils – Again not varnishes, but simply the oils ingredient of the varnish without the resin and solvent. Because it is only the oils they take a long time to dry – often weeks for raw oils. This can be speeded up by boiling or treating to part polymerise the oil, or adding additives. The most commonly used are Tung oil and Linseed oil Manns Extra Tough Floor Varnish can be applied with a synthetic bristle brush, microfibre roller, floor applicator or water-based spray machine. It has a slight peach colour in the container but will dry completely clear, enhancing the wood grain and colour. A clear water-based, multi-purpose primer, suitable for all bare, solid and engineered wood flooring Using a soft cotton rag, apply the polish to the surface. If you’re using wax, a wad of excellent steel wool is the ideal way to apply it.

Wood Stains and Using Stains

In essence, varnish is basically a paint without the pigment applied to it. The majority of these are polyurethane based resins and are solvent based (similar to oil paints). Acrylic varnishes, although water based, are becoming more popular for their environmental and health benefits. Read: Best floor wax for hardwood floors Allow The Top Coat Of Finish Set For At Least 24 Hours Before Rubbing It Out