Colouring Wood

Although some timbers look fine with just a clear oil, varnish, or waxed finish, others don't - the wood may not be the colour you want or it may have shade variations that need to be evened out.

If you want to enhance or change the colour of, say, a piece of furniture, a door, or floorboards, without obscuring the pattern of the grain, there's a wide range of products to choose from, but there are important differences between stains, dyes, waxes and varnishes. Once you've chosen the colour and the type of finish, then there are a few tips and techniques that will ensure that you achieve the perfect finish.