Using Common Stains, Varnishes, Shellacs Finishes

Using Stains, Varnishes, Shellacs Finishes

Solid Cherry Wood Interior Doors w/ 3 coats of Conversion Varnish

Using Stains, Different Varnishes, Shellacs Finishes

Using stains, several different varnishes, also shellac finishes most commonly used, all manufactures instructions must be strictly followed, for safety also uniformity. These coatings are described below. These wiping stains generally are stained on bare wood.

Top coated with a protective hard finish with multiple coats giving a deep luster in desired sheen.

Sheen can vary from mat, low luster, gloss, high gloss, which samples can be seen at local paint outlets. Before going any further, the highest degree of importance must be given on safety tips, and painting industry standards  listed below.

  • Adequate ventilation must be available, never in a confined room
  • Eye protection & Respirator w/charcoal filters are a necessity
  • Rubber latex gloves keep contaminants and chemicals from skin absorption
  • All rags used should be laid out flat, wadded up is a fire hazard and could easily ignite
  • All open flames such as pilot lights for water heaters, stoves, furnaces should be turned off

Therefore, interior painting has it's hazards, and precautions need to be in place. Qualified painting contractors have the knowledge and expertise taking these steps,  taking all safety precautions.

However, if doing this kind of work on your own, all these steps are equally important, not short-cutting even the smallest detail.

As we mentioned in earlier post Re-finishing Cabinets, we will discuss wiping stains, varnishes, and shellacs, giving the advantages & differences.

 Interior Wiping Stain: Solvent Based

  • Applied to bare wood with rags or brush in about 2' sq. sections, soaking in about 5 minutes. Wiping off excess, allowing to dry usually 12 hours.
  • Darkness will depend on wood and grain coloration, porosity of wood grain, time left on before wiping, and the number of applications and quantity of each.
  • If sample piece of wood is available, try making a template, reproducing exact match as was done on template.

Tung Oil Finishes

  • Applied to bare wood, Tung Oil finishes usually fine hardwoods such as Walnut, Mahogany, Red Oak, Hickory, and Ash.
  • Applied to bare wood with rags or brush in about two sq. ft. sections, soaking in about five minutes. Wiping off excess Tung Oil finish, allowing to dry usually twelve hours.
  • Multiple coats of Tung Oil finish,  hand rubbed gives a unique fine furniture appeal, typically in a mat finish.

Varnishes: Solvent Based being Alkyd or Polyurethane

  • More expensive than water based Acrylic products, solvent based varnishes being petroleum based, having high V.O.C's (volatile odor content), making highly flammable.
  • Typically sprayed for an even uniform finish, solvent based varnishes applied to bare or stained wood.
  • Sanding sealers are applied before varnishes for a complete uniform finish. Sanding sealers typically white after dried, must be lightly sanded, sanding off white dried film.
  • At least 2 coats, sanding in between, wiping all particles off before spraying additional coat
  • Allowing 2 hours in between coats, but follow manufacture's instructions

Water Based Acrylic Urethane

Solid Cherry Wood Windows and Trim

  • Less expensive than Alkyds and becoming more popular as to Eco Friendly Green products, water based acrylics are the new kid on the block.
  • Water based acrylics may appear white opening up can, but dries to a clear finish
  • Typically sprayed for an even uniform finish, water based acrylics applied to bare or stained wood.
  • Sanding sealers are applied before varnishes for a complete uniform finish.
  • Sanding sealers typically white after dried, must be lightly sanded, sanding off white dried film.
  • At least 2 coats, sanding in between, wiping all particles off before spraying additional coat of water based acrylic
  • Allowing 2 hours in between coats, but follow manufacture's instructions

Shellac: Alcohol Based

  • Shellac is yellow in nature, but dries to a clear finish
  • Shellac will not darken wood, and dries very quickly
  • Shellac whitens with direct contact with water, such as a wet frosted glass leaving glass rings
  • Shellac cleans up with denatured alcohol.
  • Do not use Shellac where alcohol products may come in contact with finish, such as window cleaners, colognes, perfumes, and alcoholic drinks are served

Conversion Varnishes: Falls under category Solvent Based being Alkyd or Polyurethane

  • Available in a broad range of colors

  • High solids and build

  • Good non-yellowing properties

  • Meets KCMA test requirements when used over SHER-WOOD® KEMVAR® Plus Surfacer

  • Suitable for solid hardwood and softwood, particle board, medium density fiberboard and veneers. SHER-WOOD® KEMVAR® Plus Surfacer may be required to fill the substrate.

Stained and Varnished with Conventional Alykd Matt Finish

  • More expensive than Alkyds considering additives needed mixing exactly to milliliters
  • Much more expensive than water based acrylic products, solvent based varnishes being petroleum based, having high V.O.C's (volatile odor content), making highly flammable.
  • Typically sprayed for an even uniform finish, solvent based varnishes applied to bare or stained wood.
  • Sanding sealers are applied before varnishes for a complete uniform finish. Sanding sealers typically white after dried, must be lightly sanded, sanding off white dried film.
  • At least 2 coats, sanding in between, wiping all particles off before spraying additional coat.
  • Allowing 12 hours in between coats, but follow manufacture's instructions
  • Similar to car finishes, more care is needed using a Conventional Sprayer for precise control.
  • Much harder finish than typical other clear applications.

More Solvents Needed

Many other paint solvents required using these stains, shellacs, & vanishes. Main recommendation would be reading labels on the back of each container, plus also asking paint store's staff. Sometimes they have a recent insight, of something new working better.

Hope this is a helpful resource for next coating.

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[…] over Shellacs, Varnishes, and Wiping Stains here, we've found an easier way of re-finishing about half the cost of typical cabinet refinishing. […]

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