The purpose of a stain is to enhance the beauty of the wood it is applied to, so it follows that stains tend to look best on wood with good figure -such as maple, walnut and mahogany, and other exotic species of wood such as brazillian cherry.

Certain colors can be applied to inexpensive woods to emulate the more expensive wood types. The trick is to use woods with similar grains. For example, maple can be stained to appear as cherry, poplar can be used as a substitute for white oak, and alder is often employed to imitate birch or walnut. A distressed, vintage look can be created by staining a surface and then removing the stain from selected areas, particularly edges and corners.

There are two types of stain finishes that we provide. The primary stain finish option we offer is called a "multi-step", and is used on interior centerpieces like built-ins, railings, interior doors and casings, and exterior features such as front doors.

A multi-step finish is an involved stain process that ensures a uniform, beauiful wood finish - even across multiple species of wood.The difference between a multis-step finish and a simple stain finish is, as you've probably guessed, the number of finish steps involved. While a simple stain application requires no more than adequate sanding before application, a multi-step involves sanding through multiple grits, applying washcoats or conditioners, wiping or spray stains and dyes, toners, glazes and clears. The specific steps required, and the order they are completed in, depend on the wood species and colour selected.

The second and simple type is for exterior woodwork such as posts, patio railings and gazebos, and is simply a stain finish meant more for protection than aesthetics.

There is really no limit to what stain colour you can choose for your woodwork. Practically any colour can be custom made to your liking. You stain finishes can also be enhanced with dimensional effects like glazing, or faux effects like crackling.

To learn more about how we can help you with your wood finshing projet, contact Alec today at (250) 864-3900.