A (wood) stain is very similar to a paint; it is designed to colour the substrate, although it does not leave a protective film as it is designed to be absorbed. Because it is absorbed, it means that the grain will be seen through the colour and the extent of this is largely dependent on how opaque the pigment in the stain is. Smoke grey, carbon grey, or a mixture of ebony and walnut stains are all excellent choices for dark grey wood floors with (mostly) cool undertones.

Alkyd Varnishes – This is a terms that you will sometimes hear, and most varnishes will contain an alkyd of some kind. They are modified natural or vegetable oils.

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But on the other hand, pets and kids can drag in a lot of dirt and debris from outside. After all, the best wood flooring for dogs isn‘t just durable—it’s also able to hide imperfections and damage. And for that, lighter colors are ideal. There is a huge range of different varnishes out there and different manufactures will call them slightly different things to make it even more confusing. Varnish is also its own primer and undercoat, although in some cases it is better to thin the first coat with roughly 10% white spirit (for solvent varnishes) and water for water-based varnishes. This is particularly true if you are using a polyurethane varnish. In most cases it is also better to apply this with a lint free cloth and you are able to rub the varnish into the wood grain better than you could do with a brush. You probably know that painting a small room a dark color can make it look even smaller. This is also true for small rooms with dark-colored wood floors! But there are some exceptions to this rule. Varnish can be applied with a brush, which is more typical, or a roller. If you are planning to use a roller use one with a short pile. See here for help on choosing a roller. Apply with the grain to get a smooth and even finish.

It goes without saying that the color of your wood floors should match your home’s existing aesthetics and color palette. That includes your wall and trim colors, cabinet colors, appliance colors, etc.—plus any furniture, rugs, or other types of flooring that you plan to keep. Work with the gain rather than across it, and ensure that you do not overload your brush or cloth as this might cause drips. You want to try and get as even a spread as possible so that you get an even colour across the surface; drips will ruin this if you do not catch them in time. Thinner (or Solvent): This is the ingredient that thins the oils and resins to allow the varnish to be applied easily. Having done its job it should evaporate and allow the resin and oils to cure and harden. The thinner can be a range of solvents, such as turps or white spirit. Water can be used in some varnishes Unlike paint, varnishes and stains are designed to soak into the wood. You can even apply a clear varnish to the stain to improve the finish and also make it more durable. These are also available in solvent and water based variations and also in a variety of colours and shades.You’ll find that finished wood floors are far more resistant to water damage—making them better-suited for mudroom flooring, sunroom flooring, or other high-traffic areas. Shellac – This is not strictly a varnish, and is the main ingredient for French Polish for furniture. It is secreted by a beetle in South East Asia and usually bought in flakes which are diluted with alcohol before use. The ‘de-waxed’ version of shellac, which has under gone a process to have most of the waxy substances removed, can be used as a primer for other varnishes, such as Polyurethane and Acrylic which do not penetrate well into the wood. Shellac can be clear, or there are a range of shades Much like paint, varnishes have finishes that vary from “Gloss” through “Satin” to “Matt”. This describes the sheen of the finish and how reflective it will be. Gloss is the shiniest and smoothest, while Matt describes a dull and un-shiny finish. Choosing the Right Varnish

Make sure that the stain is thoroughly mixed before you start to apply it so that you get an even colour throughout. Applying a Stain Most of the time, people choose to stain their hardwood floors in any of the color choices we mentioned above. Staining allows you to put pigment on your floors and mimic any type of wood you’d like, without spending huge sums on exotic woods. Wood varnish helps to seal and protect a range of wooden surfaces, and you can buy it in a choice of colours. You can use interior varnish to coat and seal internal doors, as well as wooden furniture such as dining tables, wardrobes, and bedside tables. You may also wish to apply it to your skirting boards to give them improved protection and an attractive shine. There are clear versions, as well as products that come in natural wood shades like oak and pine. Resin: This is the component that adds the strength and body to the finished varnish. There is a huge range of compounds from natural products such as tree resins and even insect secretions to organic chemicals such as polymers and plastics that are used as varnish resins. Like the oil the choice of resin can affect the varnish so resins that do not colour the varnish are favoured. The way that they react or act with the oil will have a bearing on the properties of the varnish Whether you’re paying a professional to install the best engineered wood flooring you can buy, having your handyman pour concrete flooring that looks like wood, or if installing DIY wood floors on your own, your color and style choices are going to affect your floor’s immediate price and its resale value.Painting wood floors can be ideal to cover old, worn stain. It can also be perfect if you happen to want a color that’s outside of grey, brown, or natural-looking wood (think blues, greens, or purples!) Drying Oils – Again not varnishes, but simply the oils ingredient of the varnish without the resin and solvent. Because it is only the oils they take a long time to dry – often weeks for raw oils. This can be speeded up by boiling or treating to part polymerise the oil, or adding additives. The most commonly used are Tung oil and Linseed oil There are tons of great hardwood floor alternatives, and it’s important that you choose ones that complement your wood floors (and vice-versa). Insider tip: some of the best hardwood floor brands also make fake wood flooring—meaning you can occasionally find identical finishes across different materials!