From flooring to furniture to trim, nothing quite matches the warmth and beauty of wooden accents and features in interior spaces. That being said, natural wood is prone to damage and deterioration over time and proper protection and maintenance is key.
At STAR Building Materials in Winnipeg, we offer a wide selection of products to keep the wood surfaces in your home polished, gleaming, and protected. With the proper application of interior stains, sealers, and oils, you can maintain your wooden furniture and decor in pristine condition while also ensuring its longevity.
Not certain which product or products may be the best option for your particular needs? Visit our store to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable STAR representative who can guide you in the right direction. We look forward to assisting you!
Choosing Between Stains, Sealers, and Oils
If you don’t regularly work with wood, you may be among the many homeowners who are uncertain about the precise purposes of stains, sealers, and oils. While all of these products are designed to protect wooden surfaces and enhance their appearance, they do so in slightly different ways. Let’s take a closer look:
Stains
Stains are colourants that penetrate wood surfaces, providing protection and renewed aesthetic appeal. Available in an array of tones, they can transform wooden accents to balance any design scheme.
Interior wood stains are available in oil-based or water-based options, both of which can be applied in multiple coats to enhance colour, wood grain, and protective properties. Oil-based stains offer superior adhesion and resistance to peeling while water-based stains are more environmentally friendly and can be cleaned up with water rather than mineral spirits.
Sealers
Wood sealers are finishes that are applied on top of stains or other wood treatments to enhance durability, protection, and aesthetics. Offering superior resistance to water damage as well as general wear and tear, these products include lacquers and varnishes.
If a high-gloss protective finish is what you’re after, consider purchasing an interior wood sealer to complete your project. Sealers are commonly used on cabinets, moulding, furniture, and more, and can be applied with a sprayer or brush.
Oils
Oil finishes replace and replenish the oils in wood surfaces, beautifully bringing out their natural grain and character. While they don’t provide the same durability as sealers, they do offer protection against spills, dirt, and other minor wear and tear.
If you’re seeking a non-toxic finish that will highlight the inherent beauty of wood furniture and decor, a natural oil may be the way to go. Oil finishes often require a longer drying time than sealers or stains.
Colour Selection: From Natural to Bold
No matter the style and interior design scheme you’ve chosen for your home, you’ll be able to find an interior wood stain to complement it. From subtle natural tones to contemporary greyscale options or bold colours that immediately draw the eye, customize interior wooden features exactly to your liking with high-quality furniture or hardwood floor staining options from STAR.
Sealing for Protection: When and How To Apply
Most stains, sealers, and oils can easily be applied with a brush, sponge, or rag. Refer to the application instructions of the product you purchase or speak with a STAR team member for more specific recommendations.
When applying DIY wood finishes, it’s always critical to follow best practices for safety including:
- Wear proper safety gear.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Properly clean up, store, and dispose of wood finishes according to the recommendations of the manufacturer and local regulations.
Ready to rejuvenate wooden furniture and surfaces in your home and breathe new life into your decor scheme? Visit STAR Building Materials in Winnipeg today to learn more about the best products for protecting and enhancing interior wood features!
