Staining and Varnishing for Trim, Doors, and Interior Woodwork

A fresh coat of varnish over existing varnish is our most common work. This requires a light buff sand and a coat or two of the acrylic varnish.

Clear varnish however will not hide discolorations and chips in the wood surface. A clear varnish will not change the color or enhance the color of the surface. In the case where there are small amounts of discoloration or chips a small amount of stain can be wiped on the surface prior to varnishing.

Staining is a less common project for our interior painters however we are asked to stain new wood steps, rails and wood trim on occasion. This work usually requires a couple of coats of varnish after the staining is completed to provide protection for the surface.

Where a stain and varnished area has significant discolouration a combination of stain and urethane product such as polyshades can be used. This and these types of products can be used to enhance the colour of the surface as well as in some cases change the colour of the surface. It should be noted that on large surfaces such as doors polyshades may not produce optimal results.

New wood trim, stairs, and doors can be stained, these stains come in a variety of colours. Staining should only be done when the wood itself is a stain grade product. Staining means the application of a coat(s) of penetrating or wiping stain to the wood surface typically with a brush or a rag.

Once the stain has dried it is common to protect the area with a varnish. The varnish comes in a variety of sheens and is a clear product, a minimum of two cots of varnish will be applied to these surfaces.