Paint & Stains

As aesthetic tastes change, so do the means by which we decorate and protect our furnishings. Lately, wood stain has skyrocketed in popularity as a viable alternative to paint, with more and more people trying their hand at it. However, as simple as staining wood is, if the wood is not prepared correctly, the results…

One design feature that can work in any style of interior ranging from Minimalist to Rustic, Industrial, Scandi-style, Classic-Traditional, and even Maximalist is the addition of wood paneling in living spaces. Wood paneling and accents have been reimagined and modernized to suit current trends, but the maintenance and decoration of these pieces have remained relatively…

Engineered wood tends to receive a lot of criticism, especially from those who prefer solid wood. One of the biggest criticisms that tends to be associated with engineered wood is that it can be challenging, if not impossible, to treat the way solid wood usually is. One of the most popular types of engineered wood…

Cedar has developed a reputation over the years as being unpaintable. This is understandable considering that it is an extremely dense hardwood that tends to reject paint due to its tightly packed pores. Does this mean that cedar is genuinely unpaintable, though? Well, we decided to have a look into what cedar wood is, what…

Since the invention of homes, there has been a need for privacy. Whether it’s teenagers wanting to blast their music after a bad day, or a parent wanting some peace and quiet, doors have become an indispensable part of the modern home. Even so, most of us tend to take doors for granted, and they…

There are multiple wood stain variations on the market. From oil-based and water-based stains, to gel stains, there are different colors, tones, and textures of wood stain to choose from. You don’t need store-bought stain to achieve a deeper color for your wooden workpiece though, and if you look into it, you’ll find that many…

Wood stain has been one of the most popular ways to improve the look of your wooden workpiece and protect it both internally and externally. There are many different types of stains including oil-based stains, water-based stains, and even gel-based stains. These stains are used to achieve different finishes on different wood types and interact…

There’s nothing worse than accidentally getting paint on something that wasn’t supposed to be painted. Whether you forgot to cover your favorite table, or you’ve managed to paint a part of your workpiece that you weren’t supposed to, it can be a nightmare to remove the paint without damaging your finish. Thankfully, there are a…

There are many ways to beautify your wood’s surface. You could choose a brightly colored paint, a sleek and modern veneer, a healthy coat of varnish, or a beautiful coat of wood stain! Wood stain is arguably the best way to improve the overall look of your wood without sacrificing its texture and natural form….

Wood stain is one of the best ways to improve the overall look of your workpiece, but it doesn’t always take as well as you’d like. Some wood species are rather dense, meaning that wood stains can have a difficult time getting into the pores of the wood. When this happens, you might consider starting…

If you’ve ever found yourself looking at some wood board and wishing it was darker, we understand your pain. Thankfully there is a whole host of quick and effective solutions to this problem, the most popular being wood stain. Wood stain has been around for nearly 100 years, with companies like Pratt and Lambert producing…

Life today is moving fast! There are constantly new and exciting innovative methods and applications when it comes to the world of DIY! This is not a bad thing at all, especially because with new innovation comes sustainability and eco-friendliness! This is especially important when it comes to white wood stain and paint. As you…

Painting can be a monumental task, whether you are faced with painting your home or painting your latest creation, it can be stressful. Besides choosing which paint will suit the surface you’re painting, choosing the best primer for your workpiece can leave you with some choice paralysis. There are loads of primers on the market…

Quick home makeovers and DIY projects have become increasingly popular as of late, mostly as a result of people spending more time at home and as such, picking up on all of those cracks in the paintwork and their outdated kitchen cabinets. While some home upgrades can be costly and time-intensive, kitchen cabinets are a…

Decks are where the fun begins at pool parties, barbeques, or when just relaxing and enjoying those cool summer evenings together with family and friends. However, if your deck has been neglected and shows serious signs of wear and tear, you may feel embarrassed about inviting friends and family around. So, it may be time…

Composite decking is the ideal flooring for your outdoor deck space. However, it can be ruined if not cared for and maintained properly. Composite decking must be cleaned regularly with the right deck cleaners to ensure that it remains in impeccable condition.     What Are Composite Decks? Composite decks are environmentally friendly as they…

Nothing invigorates old and worn pieces of wooden furniture more than a fresh coat of paint. If you have an old piece in your garage, or, perhaps you have eyed something at the second-hand store, you can bring new life to it very easily with some paint! However, the traditional methods of applying paint with…

A fun and affordable option to update your living room aesthetic is to spray paint your furniture. Spray painting furniture may seem a little overwhelming if you do not have any experience in doing it, but with a little knowledge of the fundamentals and a bit of practice, you will be able to tackle bringing…

Pressure-treated wood is a great material to use for furnishing and décor. This is thanks to the fact that pressure-treated wood can resist the onset of decay fungi and withstand the elements. If you have selected pressure-treated wood and you want to paint it there are certain elements you will have to consider before you…

We have all, at one time or another, wanted to change the color of an old piece of furniture. The majority of old pieces of furniture or good quality furniture have a sealing or topcoat of varnish on them. So, if you have decided to alter the color of your piece, you may wonder, “Can…

Your family home has been looking a little shabby, so you decided to give it a new lick of paint. You have always been a fan of wooden houses, their rustic feel is ever so endearing and full of loving memories, and smells of varnish and polish. This tutorial is all about the best outdoor…

These days, there are loads of materials for you to choose from when finishing your home. There are all-natural materials like woods and metals, and then there are completely synthetic materials that are often cheaper and more robust. One of these materials is wood veneer, which has been used in various industries to create affordable…

Whether you’ve been doing some DIY painting jobs around the house, or you’re a professional artist, or your kids have been doing some school projects – no matter what form your painting takes, we are all concerned with accidental paint spills or splatters, especially on wooden surfaces like a table, desk, or furniture. Acrylic paint…

Staining wood can be a challenging process, and when it doesn’t come out the way you envisioned it can be a bit frustrating and even a bit demoralizing. The good news is that if you want to lighten up your wood there are a few methods you can use. Lightening the stain of your wood…

If you did not already know what staining your wood can do for your woodworking project, then you will by the end of this tutorial! Staining, or re-staining your wood can bring out the natural colors of the wood, and help show off the beautiful grains that the different trees create, and it can level…

If you have recently tapped into some serious woodworking skills, you will have learned how applying a stain to the finished wooden item you created will raise the value and the longevity of your project. A good stain will bring out all the best parts of the wood, and it will enhance its natural appearance…

These days synthetic paints tend to get all of the attention, but are they always the best choice when painting your wood? Back in the day these synthetics were not an option, and paints like oil and lead-based paints were all the rage, so how do these new kids on the block stack up against…

Whether you find yourself looking at your grandmother’s old dresser or simply find yourself checking out some antique furniture, you have probably marveled at cherry wood at some point in your life. This wood is pretty much as American as you can get (aside from Redwood), but have you ever asked yourself what cherry wood…

When starting a project there are lots of wood types to choose from. It can be really frustrating trying to choose a wood that not only fits the feel of your imagined outcome but one that is durable and sturdy enough for the task at hand. In recent years, engineered woods have come a long…

A rite of passage for any craftsman is restoring a workpiece that’s appeal has faded over time. One of the most challenging parts of getting this done is removing the existing finish before you get to spruce the workpiece up, but how do you go about this? Removing paint that has started to separate from…

The need to personalize and beautify our surroundings has been part of the human condition since we marked ourselves to signify which clans we belong to (a practice some people still practice to this day). We have come a long way since then, but we still love customizing our surroundings to reflect our personal styles…

When most people think of wooden furniture, they think of dark oak flooring in houses with high ceilings, and oak furniture to match – grandfather clock and all! In a recent turn of events, vintage chique has taken a twist, and now what is popular on-demand is that minimalist, natural feel with indoor plants and…

In 1968, the Redwood National Park was established in order to preserve and protect the redwood trees in the area. At the time, these trees were dwindling down, a staggering 90% of them having been lost to poor foresting practices and re-growth/plantation methods. Redwood is not only significant as indigenous plant life in the US…

Painting wood can be a tedious process to the uninitiated, not to mention that there are several other factors to consider besides whether you have the right paint for the job. When woods are treated either chemically or via heat treatment, certain things need to be done before they can be treated. One of the…

Personalization is one of the most common forms of human expression. Our need to stand apart and forge a personal identity is deeply seeded in our most basic instincts, but painting plywood can have more benefits than simple aesthetic appeal. Let’s have a look at how to paint plywood, why painting plywood is beneficial, and…

Picture this: You just inherited that long-awaited dining room table and matching chairs from your grandmother who downsized her house. It is your dream table, the best fit for your home! But… the pieces are worn from all the years of use! Your first thought might be to sand it down and re-varnish it. However,…

Medium Density Fiberboard, or MDF, is a popular wooden product consisting of small wood fibers mixed with wax and resin. The mixture is compressed under high pressure and heat to form the final product, which results in a solid wood-like product that looks similar to natural wood. MDF is not the same as hardwood, however….

For those of us that have the privilege of getting our hands dirty with woodworking, we would know all too well not only it rewards us with beauty and functional creations unlike any other but also its therapeutic value that breathes life into our soul. Whether you have completed your 1st birdhouse or resurrected your…

If you are looking to add an artistic flair to your DIY projects, especially those made using wood. A quick doodle or detailed design will take your bookshelf, coffee table, or spice rack to the next level. Now, finding a way to create delicate lines and shapes using a paintbrush can be tricky. So, to…

Do you have an old piece of furniture that needs some wood paint and a little tender, loving care? The process of painting wood is not a five-minute job and can be hard work. Knowing what to do and avoiding any mistakes can make things easier. However, once you have completed your first project and…

Pine is one of the most popular and versatile woods out there. This is thanks to its affordability and attractive dark color that it gains over time. Whether you are using pine for flooring, furniture, or anything else, you will want to make sure that you protect it carefully. Finding the best stain for pine…

Red cedar is a well-known wood species that is used for exterior pieces. It is naturally resistant to decay and red in color. It is very cheap, weathers well, and is highly universal. However, red cedar turns grey very quickly, and it is almost impossible to restore the wood to its original form. You can,…

Most people, when thinking about acrylic paints, may imagine something connected to canvas art. However, can you use acrylic paint on wood? Yes! Acrylic paints can be used on many types of surfaces including metal, fabrics, leather, paper, or any surface that does not have a gloss finish or oily surface. Acrylic paint on wood…

You might think that wood painting is easy, and that there is no need to follow a strict set of rules. However, if you want an item you can be proud of after you have painted it, then there are certain steps you need to follow in order to give you that brilliant finish. Everything…

Are you in possession of a piece of furniture that is an antique or even an old family heirloom? Perhaps your piece has been stained or painted previously and is looking a little worse-for-wear, but it has a lot of sentimental value for you. If you do not want to get rid of it, what…

Removing paint from wooden floors sounds more difficult than it is. All you need is the right technique and a good product to make the process as easy and pain-free as possible. We have outlined the best ways to remove old paint from your wooden and hardwood floors, and have recommended the best products for…

Wood primer is a form of sealant that is applied to wood so as to seal, smoothen, and provide adhesion for paint to be applied to its surface. Without it, your wood project would look shabby rather than chic, so this is a must if you wish to apply paint to wood.      What…

Applying a stain to your wooden furniture is a great DIY project for refurbishing and protecting your outdoor pieces from the elements. You can use a wood stain on all kinds of outdoor pieces, from furniture and decks to fences and doors. Increase the lifespan and beauty of your wooden pieces with ease when you…

The first question that pops up when we think about trying to improve the appearance of wood is what is the best paint for wood? While wood typically adjusts to any type of paint for wood, it is important that you know all about the painting process before you actually start painting.     Deciding…

If it is your first time hearing about latex, note that latex simply means vinyl styrene or that it is a water-based acrylic paint type. The reason this type of paint is labeled “latex paints” is because they contain chains of artificial polymers which mimic the behavior of natural latex. You may have been familiar…