Stains

All three types of stain - transparent, semitransparent, and opaque - may be used indoors (if approved by the manufacturer) to provide decorative color accent. Since there is less need for protection, lightly pigmented products usually provide the required tone without hiding the natural grain of the wood. One brushed coat is normally sufficient. As with exterior stain, all dirt and dust must be removed before application. The stain should be stirred often to ensure color consistency, and a wet edge maintained at all times to avoid lap marks. When choosing a stain, remember that it is much easier to darken an area by adding extra coats than to lighten a color.

• Oil-based stains, heavy-bodied and semitransparent oil-based stains approved for interior use by the manufacturer, are suitable for Western Red Cedar. They are particularly attractive when applied sparingly to textured surfaces. On smooth surfaces, wiping techniques offer varying degrees of transparency. Ensure that the coating manufacturer approves the indoor use of the product.
  
  
• Penetrating wood stains are for use on smooth surfaces only and have an oil base. A wide choice of basic colors is available and these can be blended to achieve intermediate shades. The usual technique is to apply a single coat by brush and to wipe off the excess with a cloth after two or three minutes. To achieve a uniform result, it is best to apply stain to a small area at a time and then wipe before proceeding.