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Wood Stain or Varnish
Knowing the difference between a wood stain and a varnish is necessary when dealing with hardwood floors. However, you may be a bit confused at what they really are and how they are used. Or you may have actually believed that wood stain and a varnish were the same thing. This is not the case, they are actually very different from each other. Yes, they both make the floor look better, but that's not the only thing they do. Knowing how and when to apply them is important in making your hardwood floor look its best. Wood stain and varnish are actually used together, but not at the same time. Wood stain has dye in it which will seep into the hardwood floor and protect it from other stains and other harmful materials. Using a wood stain lets the inner beauty of the wood shine through, this works great on solid wood such as cherry or oak. Staining the wood is different from paint because it doesn't peel off after a few years. Not all wood looks good when you apply a wood stain to it, find out if you are using a piece that should be painted instead. Wood stain and a varnish actually work great together when you are using them on a hardwood floor, once you've applied a good coat of wood stain and let it dry you should follow up with a varnish. Most varnishes are usually clear and very shiny. Apply the varnish with a brush over where you stained it. Once this dries it should protect the wood and make it look breathtaking. Varnish is suppose the help prevent the wood from being scratched up. If your varnish ever starts to look dull you can make it sparkle again, sometimes all it takes is for you to take a dust mop to it. If that's not the case, take a buffer over it, if the sparkle is still gone you may need to sand it again and start all over. The difference between wood stain and a varnish is that with a wood stain you are bringing out the nature of the wood. With a varnish you are leaving a thin, extra coat of clear protection on the wood. Always make sure to apply the wood stain before you apply the varnish. Wood stain and a varnish will help your hardwood floor look and shine with beauty. |