Staining
Staining is a process by which a colouring agent (dye) is used to change the natural appearance of the floor into a particular colour based on the customers requirements. The number of coats will determine the intensity of the finish by gradually reducing the stains transparency and leading towards a more solid colour appearance.
Staining out of necessity
Staining is an excellent solution in situations where clear coating a timber floor would result in a sub standard finish due to factors such as various stains (water, oil, ink, bleach, pet urine) that are usually very hard to sand out or the presence of different species of timber on the job (age difference, dodgy repairs, extensions). Staining such floors will lead to a far more desirable outcome by hiding these imperfections and producing a uniform colour tone.
Staining for fashion
Staining may also be used to achieve a particular desired look. Although the extensive range of colours provides for an endless list of possibilities it is usually best to stick to natural timber colours. When opting for a more eccentric colour it is important to keep in mind that once a timber floor has been stained it is virtually impossible to completely remove all traces of the stain with subsequent re-sanding. This is particularly true for older floors, floors with many features or gaps between boards. This means that such a floor would always need to be re-stained after being re-sanded to produce an acceptable result.
Two ways to do it
There are two main ways to stain a timber floor. There’s the proper way by rubbing the stain into the timber (direct application), and cheap way by adding the stain to the finish (indirect application). Below is a brief list outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each of these methods:
Direct application (rubbed into timber)
Indirect application (added to finish)
What to consider
If you decide to have your floor stained please keep the following things in mind. Both staining processes involve extra materials and time and will therefore be more expensive than a straight clear coat finish. An indirect application is the cheaper alternative adding approximately 15% to your standard S&P rate. We strongly recommend using the direct application as it is the proper way to do the job right and consistently delivers better results. Direct application will add approximately 35% to your standard S&P rate. Due to coating limitations and other associated factors staining your floor will delay the completion of your job. This is usually between 1 and 2 days depending on the type of finish being used. As staining is only a surface treatment any damage or excessive wear of the floors surface (dents & deep scratches) will be a lot more noticeable when compared to a clear coated floor. Staining is a messy business. Even when extra care is taken staining a timber floor usually means having your skirting boards repainted afterwards. This must be taken into consideration when costing such a finish. A stained floor will never achieve a hardwood floor appearance as the the colour is uniform film which subdues the natural colour variance of individual boards.
Last but not least
Please remember that staining is an unpredictable chemical process dependent on many factors some of which may not be readily ascertainable. This may lead to unexpected results like uneven colour tone, lap marks, patchy looking finish and rejection. All such risks must be fully considered and accepted by the customer prior to having their floors stained.
Staining out of necessity
Staining is an excellent solution in situations where clear coating a timber floor would result in a sub standard finish due to factors such as various stains (water, oil, ink, bleach, pet urine) that are usually very hard to sand out or the presence of different species of timber on the job (age difference, dodgy repairs, extensions). Staining such floors will lead to a far more desirable outcome by hiding these imperfections and producing a uniform colour tone.
Staining for fashion
Staining may also be used to achieve a particular desired look. Although the extensive range of colours provides for an endless list of possibilities it is usually best to stick to natural timber colours. When opting for a more eccentric colour it is important to keep in mind that once a timber floor has been stained it is virtually impossible to completely remove all traces of the stain with subsequent re-sanding. This is particularly true for older floors, floors with many features or gaps between boards. This means that such a floor would always need to be re-stained after being re-sanded to produce an acceptable result.
Two ways to do it
There are two main ways to stain a timber floor. There’s the proper way by rubbing the stain into the timber (direct application), and cheap way by adding the stain to the finish (indirect application). Below is a brief list outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each of these methods:
Direct application (rubbed into timber)
- Superior results
- More uniform absorption
- Deeper stain penetration
- Higher cost (material & labour intensive)
- Slower application and job completion
Indirect application (added to finish)
- Lower cost
- Faster application and job completion
- Possible lap marks from application
- Uneven stain absorption
- Low stain penetration
What to consider
If you decide to have your floor stained please keep the following things in mind. Both staining processes involve extra materials and time and will therefore be more expensive than a straight clear coat finish. An indirect application is the cheaper alternative adding approximately 15% to your standard S&P rate. We strongly recommend using the direct application as it is the proper way to do the job right and consistently delivers better results. Direct application will add approximately 35% to your standard S&P rate. Due to coating limitations and other associated factors staining your floor will delay the completion of your job. This is usually between 1 and 2 days depending on the type of finish being used. As staining is only a surface treatment any damage or excessive wear of the floors surface (dents & deep scratches) will be a lot more noticeable when compared to a clear coated floor. Staining is a messy business. Even when extra care is taken staining a timber floor usually means having your skirting boards repainted afterwards. This must be taken into consideration when costing such a finish. A stained floor will never achieve a hardwood floor appearance as the the colour is uniform film which subdues the natural colour variance of individual boards.
Last but not least
Please remember that staining is an unpredictable chemical process dependent on many factors some of which may not be readily ascertainable. This may lead to unexpected results like uneven colour tone, lap marks, patchy looking finish and rejection. All such risks must be fully considered and accepted by the customer prior to having their floors stained.
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