Wood Bleach, Stains and Clear Coats Defined

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• Paint Coatings Defined
• Primers and Sealers
• Thinners and Solvents

This page contains descriptions and uses for wood finishing products including bleaches, stains and clear coats. Wood bleaches are used to lighten wood finishes, as well as to remove stains, either tinting stains or stains from contamination. Wood stains are used to enhance a natural wood finish and to protect the wood by sealing the pores. Opaque stains are also used to color wood and masonry finishes. Clear coats are used to protect finishes including paints, stains and natural finishes by providing a water and stain resistant shell over the finish.

Wood Bleach

Bleaching is a process used to lighten the natural tone of wood finishes on furniture, flooring and siding. Bleach is also used to remove stain damage such as water or urine stains. Wear rubber gloves and remove any wax or varnish before attempting to bleach out stains. Bleach will raise wood fibers so sanding will be necessary to smooth these surfaces before refinishing.

Bleaching Oil A commercial bleaching agent with a gray pigment added. These are used on exterior siding and decks to create a natural aged look.

Laundry Bleach Will work well to lighten many wood stains. Make repeated application until the desired color is reached. Rinse with water to neutralize the bleach before refinishing the surface.

Oxalic Acid Commonly available at drug and hardware stores. Use this product to bleach most stained woods. Will lighten water and urine stains as well as pigmented wood stains. Make several applications until the desired color is reached. Neutralize the surface using ammonia and water to finish the job.

Wood Bleach Sometimes comes in two containers to be mixed on site. Use to lighten wood finishes such as pine and oak floors and cabinets.

Wood Stains

Wood stains penetrate the wood pores to seal and tint it. Apply stain with a brush or rag and let it seep into the wood. After a few minutes wipe the excess from the surface. Most wood stains will require a clear protective coating when dry to finish the job.

Alcohol Stain These dry faster than other stains and should be wiped off immediately after being applied. Fast drying means that the finishing job can be completed in a matter of hours.

Danish Oil Finish Easy to apply clear stains that penetrate and dry quickly to low-luster finish. An added advantage to these finishes is that a clear protective finish is not required.

Oil Stain Both clear and opaque types are available. A clear stain will change the color of a wood finish but will reveal the grain and any imperfections in the surface. An opaque stain has pigment added that will change the wood color as well as hiding the grain, smudges and marks.

Varnish Stain As the name implies this is a stain and clear coat finish all in one. This makes for a quick application but doesn't produce a high quality finish. Use this product when a quick easy job is the goal and the finish is not important.

Water-Based Stain These are virtually the same as oil stains but allow for water clean-up.

Wood Clear Coats

A clear coat is used to protect a painted, stained or natural finish. Clear coats include varnish, shellac, lacquer, urethane, water-repellent, sealer and epoxy. Clear finishes should not be stirred or shaken which would create air bubbles in the finish. Some of these finishes can be applied with a brush or roller but others must be sprayed for a clean, smooth finish. See the container label for application instructions.

Polyurethane A urethane-based clear coat that can be used in place of oil varnishes. This product will dry faster than other varnishes but is not absorbed as well. This creates a shell-like coating on top of the finish that can blister under some circumstances, therefore, polyurethane is not the best choice for floors or other surfaces where a durable coating is needed.

Sealers Any of a number of clear and pigmented liquids used to seal wood, plaster, concrete and any other porous surface. See Primers & Sealers for more information.

Shellac Natural resin is mixed with alcohol to make both white and orange shellac. Fast drying and versatile, shellac can be used as a clear coat finish as well as a primer/sealer. Use this product to block stains from ink, smoke, water, grease and food as well as to seal knots and sap in wood. A good general sealer and primer for most surfaces and finishes.

Spar Varnish An oil-based varnish used for exterior and marine surfaces because it is highly resistant to water penetration. This is not a good choice for flooring or furniture finishes because of it's heavy consistency.

Varnish Used to coat all types of surfaces to protect them. There are a number of varnishes made for different uses. Choose one that is specific to the surface and location to be finished.

Water Repellent Spray application. Used to seal wood and masonry surfaces. Two types are available: silicone and pentachlorophenol based. The silicone type will not waterproof surfaces and must be reapplied every five years or so. Pentachlorophenol types are used as wood preservers. Two initial coats will waterproof wood for life except in extremely humid or wet areas.