staining
Light black stain
Staining is a fantastic way of changing the colour of timber flooring without losing the natural beauty and character of the timber. Stains can, in fact, enhance and strengthen the appearance of the grain, providing a luxurious and contemporary look.
Borthwick Floors™ are the experts in high quality direct staining, with the ability to match any colour from light to very dark timbers. In direct staining, rather than applying the colour as a tint (stain mixed with varnish), the stain is applied directly onto the timber, ensuring a higher quality and longer lasting finish. This means that if the surface of the floor is scratched, the colour remains intact as it has penetrated into the timber.
There are two quite different types of wood stains - pigment stain (turpentine base) and fade-resistant stain (spirit base). The main methods of floor staining are tinting, direct staining and liming.
Tinting is an easy method of colouring timber, which involves mixing stain into the floor vanish and applying it by roller. This gives the floor an overall shade but is not the most effective method of applying colour.
Direct staining is the most effective way to stain a floor, by actually penetrating the timber, not just the top finish. Direct staining requires a high level of experience and workmanship. When the stain has dried, a clear finish is applied over the top. The staining materials are carefully chosen so that they do not impact the adhesive strength of the top coat.
Liming is a bleaching process carried out before a final finish is applied to the floor. Liming gives the timber a lighter and slightly milky appearance, while allowing the timber's natural beauty and character show through.
Contact Borthwick Floors™ for details on our staining services.