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Choosing the Right Finish, Sealer or Stain
When it comes to finishing, sealing or staining a surface, having the right product for the job is key. With so many options on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which type of finish, sealer or stain is best for your particular project.
Types of Finishes
Finishes come in several main categories:
- Oil-based - Penetrates deeply to accentuate wood grain. Provides a traditional glossy finish.
- Water-based - Lower odor than oil-based. Fast drying time but requires more coats.
- Lacquer - Dries quickly to a very hard surface. Easy to apply but surfaces scratches easily.
- Shellac - Traditional all-natural finish good for "French polish" technique.
- Varnish - Very durable synthetic finish good for high-traffic areas.
- Stain - Pigmented finish for color without a glossy coat.
Types of Sealers
Common types of sealers include:
- Concrete sealers - Protect and enhance concrete surfaces like driveways, garages, patios.
- Masonry sealers - Waterproof and strengthen brick, stone, and masonry.
- Wood sealers - Guard against moisture, stains, and UV on exterior wood.
- Pavers sealers - Prevent fading, mildew, and damage to pavers.
Considerations When Choosing
Factors to think about when selecting a finish, sealer or stain:
- Type of material (wood, concrete, etc.)
- Desired appearance - glossy, matte, stained, natural, etc.
- High traffic vs low traffic area
- Indoor vs. outdoor use
- Desired level of protection from elements
- Ease of application - brush, spray, wipe-on
- Cure time
Recommended Products
| Project | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| Refinishing wood furniture | Oil-based polyurethane |
| Sealing a brick patio | Silane-siloxane brick sealer |
| Staining a wood deck | Semi-transparent water-based stain |
When in doubt, always check the manufacturer's recommendations for best results. Test products in an inconspicuous area first. With the right finish, sealer or stain for your particular project, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
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Types of Finishes, Sealers and Stains
When finishing or protecting a surface, it's important to understand the different categories of products available. Finishes, sealers and stains each have their own specific uses and attributes.
Finishes
Finishes provide a protective top coat and aesthetic look to surfaces like wood, metal, and concrete. Common types include:
- Oil-based finishes - Penetrate deep into the wood for accentuated grain. Provide a glossy, amber-toned finish. Take longer to dry than water-based.
- Water-based finishes - Made with water and acrylic resins. Low odor and fast drying but less durable than oils. Require more coats for same gloss.
- Lacquer - Made from resins dissolved in solvent. Very fast drying and produces a hard surface, but can scratch or chip easily.
- Shellac - An all-natural finish made from resin secreted by lac beetles. Used for French polishing and as a sealer under other finishes.
- Varnish - A synthetic mixture of oils and resins that dries to a very hard, durable glossy finish. Good for high-traffic areas.
- Stain - Not a true wood finish, but rather a coloring agent. Allows the wood grain to show through without a topcoat.
Sealers
Sealers provide a protective barrier on porous surfaces like concrete, brick, natural stone, wood, and grout. Types include:
- Concrete sealers - Penetrating and topical products that protect concrete driveways, garages, basements, and patios.
- Masonry sealers - Waterproof and strengthen exterior brick, natural stone, concrete block, and stucco.
- Wood sealers - Guard exterior wood from moisture, stains, mold and UV damage.
- Pavers sealers - Prevent fading, mildew, and spalling of brick, concrete, and natural stone pavers.
- Grout sealers - Protect grout from stains and moisture in tiled areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Product Considerations
When selecting a finish, sealer or stain, consider:
- Intended use - floors, walls, outdoors, high traffic?
- Desired appearance - gloss, matte, dark, natural?
- Ease of application - brush, wipe, spray?
- Drying time
- Coverage area
- Needed reapplication schedule
- Odor and VOC levels
Recommended Uses
| Product | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| Danish oil | Finishing wood furniture |
| Spar urethane | Coating exterior doors |
| Penetrating brick sealer | Sealing outdoor patios |
| Water-based poly | Hardwood floor finish |
Always read manufacturer instructions carefully and test products first before applying. With some knowledge of the different finish, sealer and stain options available, you can choose the right product for your particular project.
Considerations when Choosing a Finish, Sealer or Stain
Selecting the right finish, sealer or stain involves weighing several factors to find the best product for your needs.
Durability
How durable does the coating need to be?
- High traffic areas require maximum durability to resist scratching, scuffing and wear.
- Residential floors and furniture need moderate durability for daily use.
- Walls and decorative pieces need only light duty protection.
Appearance
What visual look do you want?
- A glossy or satin sheen
- Deep, natural wood tones
- Light, neutral, or colored tints
- A matte, flat, or brushed finish
Location
Will the surface be outdoors or indoors?
- Outdoor surfaces need maximum UV and water protection.
- Indoor surfaces require less weather resistance.
Application Method
How will the product be applied?
- Brushing works for flat surfaces.
- Spraying is optimal for large or intricate areas.
- Wiping applies easily for small projects.
Considering factors like durability, appearance, location, and application will guide you in selecting the ideal finish, sealer or stain for your particular needs.
Recommended Finishes, Sealers and Stains for Different Applications
With so many product options, it can be tricky to select the right finish, sealer or stain. Here are some recommended products for common applications:
Wood Furniture
- Danish oil - Enhances wood grain with an amber tone
- Tung oil - Provides a durable, water-resistant natural finish
- Polyurethane - Hard wearing varnish that resists heat, spills and scratching
Wood Floors
- Water-based polyurethane - Tough, clear finish that dries quickly
- Epoxy - Extremely durable for heavy traffic areas
- Penetrating stains - For a translucent stained wood look
Outdoor Wood Surfaces
- Spar urethane - Withstands sun, rain and temperature changes
- Exterior oil stain - Repels water while accenting wood grain
- Deck cleaners and sealers - Prep and protect decks from elements
Concrete Floors
- Acrylic sealers - Affordable protection for patios, walks, driveways
- Epoxy coatings - Very durable and glossy look
- Etching solutions - Roughen slick concrete so sealers adhere
Brick and Masonry
- Silane-siloxane - Deep penetrating waterproofing
- Acrylic sealers - Repel water on surface to prevent freeze-thaw damage
Always read product information to confirm suitability. Correct surface preparation and application are key to achieving optimal results. With some knowledgeable product selection, you can find the right finish, sealer or stain for any project.
DIY Finish and Stain Projects
Finishing and staining may sound daunting, but with proper preparation and products even beginners can tackle many DIY projects and achieve beautiful results.
Refinishing Furniture
Old furniture finds new life with a little TLC. Lightly sand, then apply new topcoats like:
- Danish oil - Enriches wood tones
- Gel stain - Adheres to vertical surfaces easily
- Chalk paint - Popular for shabby chic distressed looks
Staining a Wood Deck
Transform weathered wood decks with:
- Power washing to remove old stain
- Exterior wood stain and sealant
- Water repellent sealers
Sealing Concrete Floors
Protect garage, basement, and patio concrete with:
- Acid etching to roughen slick floors
- Water-based epoxy coatings
- Clear acrylic concrete sealers
Customizing with Paints
Unleash creativity with finishes like:
- Chalkboard paint on walls
- Metallic paints on furniture
- Stencils and specialty rollers for unique designs
With the right products and preparation, DIY finish and stain projects can upgrade your space stylishly and affordably.
Refinishing Furniture
Refurbishing old furniture with new stain or paint breathes fresh life into worn pieces. With proper prep and products, you can transform dull, damaged furniture into beautiful showpieces.
Assess the Current Finish
Identify the existing finish to understand how to proceed:
- Shellac finishes can be recoated directly
- Sealed finishes like polyurethane need thorough sanding
- Raw wood requires staining and sealing
Prep the Surface
Proper prep ensures the new finish adheres correctly:
- Lightly sand to degloss and roughen surface
- Clean thoroughly with tack cloth
- Fill any holes with wood filler and sand smooth
Apply New Finish
Types of refinishing products:
- Stain - Penetrates raw wood to color and protect
- Paint - Completely covers existing finish
- Clear coat - Polycrylic, lacquer or varnish over existing finish
Use a foam brush or lint-free cloth to apply. Allow proper drying time between coats.
Protect the Finish
Seal and protect paint or stain with:
- Polyurethane
- Clear paste wax
- Lacquer
With quality products and proper techniques, you can give tired furniture new life!
Staining a Wood Deck
Staining or sealing your wood deck regularly helps protect it from weathering and extends its life. Here are some tips for preparing and staining a wood deck.
Assess the Deck
Examine the current condition of the wood. Look for cracking, splintering, mold, or other damage. Severely damaged boards may need replacement.
Prepare the Surface
Proper prep is crucial for the stain to adhere correctly:
- Clear debris from gaps between boards
- Use a power washer to remove loose wood fibers and old stain
- Allow wood to dry completely, at least 48 hours
- Sand lightly with 80-100 grit sandpaper
- Vacuum dust and wipe clean with a dry rag
Apply Wood Stain
Use a semisolid penetrating stain for decks. Test stain choice on a scrap board first.
- Use a brush to coat the wood grain direction
- Maintain a wet edge and work in manageable sections
- Allow stain to penetrate 15-20 minutes then wipe off excess
- Let dry 24-48 hours between coats
Seal and Protect
After staining, apply 2-3 coats of spar urethane for maximum weather and traffic resistance:
- Lightly sand between coats
- Apply in direction of the wood grain
With proper prep and products, you can refresh your wood deck affordably with DIY staining.
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Benefits of Amazon Prime for Finishes, Sealers & Stains
When tackling big home improvement projects, you want to make sure you have the right finishing products on hand so the job goes smoothly. Amazon Prime provides several advantages for DIYers shopping for finishes, sealers and stains.
Free Two-Day Shipping
Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. This means you can quickly get the finishing supplies you need delivered right to your door at no extra cost.
No more making multiple trips to hardware stores or waiting weeks for specialty order products. Prime shipping ensures you'll have your concrete sealer, wood stain or other finishes when you need them to keep your project on schedule.
Free Same-Day Delivery
For Prime members in eligible zip codes, same-day delivery is available on thousands of finishing products. Place your order in the morning and have it by evening for next-day project work.
Same-day delivery guarantees you can get last-minute supplies or replacement products if anything is damaged or doesn't apply as expected. It's a great option for urgent finishing needs.
Curated Selection
Browse through Amazon's vast selection of brand name finishes, sealers and stains used by professionals. View product information and ratings easily compared across top brands.
Amazon's curated selection makes it simple to find the ideal concrete sealer, deck stain, furniture finish or other product for your particular project. Order samples or starter kits to determine the right product before purchasing in bulk.
With speedy shipping and an unmatched selection, Amazon Prime provides advantages that save time and hassle for all your DIY finishing projects.
- Choosing the Right Finish, Sealer or Stain
- Types of Finishes
- Types of Sealers
- Considerations When Choosing
- Recommended Products
- Types of Finishes, Sealers and Stains
- Finishes
- Sealers
- Product Considerations
- Recommended Uses
- Considerations when Choosing a Finish, Sealer or Stain
- Durability
- Appearance
- Location
- Application Method
- Recommended Finishes, Sealers and Stains for Different Applications
- Wood Furniture
- Wood Floors
- Outdoor Wood Surfaces
- Concrete Floors
- Brick and Masonry
- DIY Finish and Stain Projects
- Refinishing Furniture
- Staining a Wood Deck
- Sealing Concrete Floors
- Customizing with Paints
- Refinishing Furniture
- Assess the Current Finish
- Prep the Surface
- Apply New Finish
- Protect the Finish
- Staining a Wood Deck
- Assess the Deck
- Prepare the Surface
- Apply Wood Stain
- Seal and Protect
- Benefits of Amazon Prime for Finishes, Sealers & Stains
- Free Two-Day Shipping
- Free Same-Day Delivery
- Curated Selection
