Stain vs Varnish: Difference and Comparison

Wood is a natural material used in construction, especially in building homes. However, there are products applied to wood to ensure it lasts longer and also add a little touch to their appearance. We will be looking at the key difference between wood stain vs varnish.

Wood stain and wood varnish are products you can rely on to use your wooden deck, fence, frame or door.

While stain soaks into the wood, penetrating the pores of the wood to reveal its natural structure and texture, wood varnish is a protective coating that serves as a barrier against water and dirt.

Keep reading to find out when it’s best to use wood stain or varnish.

What Is a Stain?

A stain is a substance that is designed to penetrate the pores of the wood to highlight the grain or enhance the natural colour of the wood. It’s composed of a similar mixture as paint- resin, pigment, and solvents.

Wood stain is a product available in three finish options such as transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque or solid colour stains.

Stains are protective products for wood that you can rely on to maintain and decorate your wooden deck, fence, or door.

Wood stains are products mainly designed to improve the appearance of the wood. But coating your wood with stain also protects it from moisture.

It’s a product you can rely on to bring out the natural shade of your wood.

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What Is a Varnish?

Wood varnish is more of a protective product compared to wood stain. A varnish is designed to remain on the outside of the wood surface and it acts as a protective barrier.

Wood varnish is usually clear and transparent. It’s applied on the surface of the wood and then becomes hardened on the outer layer of the wood- protecting it and enhancing the wood’s appearance. It’s a product that provides durability and it’s applied on surfaces that get plenty of wear and tear.

Wood stain is available in three finishes: matt, stain, and gloss.

Stain vs Varnish: Key Difference between Wood Stain and Varnish

Wood stain and wood varnish are products you can rely on to protect your wood. Whether you doing a little maintenance or setting up a new wooden deck, frame or door, stain and varnish are products you can trust.

However, there are some critical differences between these products and it may determine which product is best for you.

If you want a product to protect your wood, your best option is wood varnish. Wood stain is more of a decorative product that also offers a little protection.

Wood stain is a product that works by soaking into the wood’s pores. Through this soaking process, stains bring out the natural colours of the wood. It requires a few coatings and it’s considerably affordable.

Wood varnish is more of a protective product applied on the surface of the wood, and then becomes hardened on the outer layer of the wood- protecting it and enhancing the wood’s appearance.

Unlike wood stain, varnish does not change the colour of the wood.

Stain vs Varnish: Comparison Chart

	Stain	Varnish
Appearance	Come in three finish options such as transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque or solid colour stains.	It comes in a transparent finish that may have a slight yellow tint in oil-based products.
Durability and Maintenance	Wood stain seeps into the wood, exposing the surface of the material vulnerable to physical damage.	Wood varnish forms a barrier around the wood and it prevents it from abrasive and impact damage.
Water and heat-resistant	Stain is effective at resisting UV radiation, heat and moisture.	Varnish has a high level of water resistance and moderate heat resistance.
Care and cleaning	Wood sealed with wood stain will still be porous and vulnerable to staining and dirt.	Wood sealed with varnish is protected from dirt and is easy tpo keep clean with warm water and mild detergent.
Cost and lifespan	Stain costs around $40 to $50 per gallon and lasts for up to three to five years.	Varnish costs around $50 to $60 per gallon and lasts for up to three to five years.

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Stain vs Varnish: Pros and Cons

Before you decide on what product to use, perhaps it’s best to consider the pros and cons.

Wood Stain Pros

Although it’s less expensive to use wood staining in your woodwork project, there are a few disadvantages you should consider. But first, let’s explore the good part of using wood stain.

Wood stain will enhance the natural colour of your wooden deck, frame, table, frame, door, etc. It gives wooden furniture a more attractive appearance.
It’s a product that preserves the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Wood stain is easy to apply, as it requires one coating.
There are wood stains that dry quickly

Cons

Staining your wood will last for a few years before recoating is required.
Some wood naturally does not work well with stains.

Wood Varnish Pros

Wood varnish forms a protective, scratch-resistant film on the wood’s surface.
Varnishes are easy to apply
Wood varnish is designed to protect the surface of the wood but also preserve its natural appearance.
Brushstrokes are hardly visible on the surface of the wood.

Also Read: Stain vs Paint Deck: Difference and Comparison

Stain vs Varnish: More Key Differences between Stain and Varnish

	Stain	Varnish
Best for appearance: Stain	Stain is a better choice for appearance compared to varnish. It comes in a wide variety of colours and opacity options.	Wood varnish is transparent or may have a slight yellow tint in oil-based products
Best for water and heat resistance: Tie	Wood stain is effective at resisting UV radiation, heat and moisture.	Wood varnish has a high level of water resistance and moderate heat resistance.
Best for care and cleaning: Varnish	Stain can form a protective barrier to help prevent moisture damage and staining.	Varnish is more of a protective product compared to wood stain. Coating with wood varnish prevents moisture and stains from penetrating the wood fibre.
Best for cost: Stain	Wood stain is more affordable compared to varnish.	There is a slight difference in cost compared to wood stain.
Best for durability and maintenance: Varnish	Wood stain is an effective option for UV resistance and moisture.	But varnish has a superior durability that makes it a better product to withstand moisture, UV radiation and heat.
Best for lifespan: Tie	Stain can last at least for up to three to five years.	Also, varnish can last for up to three to five years.

Also Read: Stain vs Paint: Difference and Comparison

Stain vs Varnish: How to Apply a Timber Surface for Wood Stain or Wood Varnish

Here are a few steps to help you prepare your timber surface with wood stain or wood varnish.

Firstly, you need to use a soft nylon brush or natural bristle to get rid of any loose fragments and dust.
Next, you need to sand your timber surface to become smooth. This is best done outdoors.
Now you need to dust the wood using a clean dry brush.
Once the wood dust is settled, clean your work area.
What you have to do next is to use a clean cloth to wipe the area clean. Do this with methylated spirits and not white spirits.
Let the cleaned area dry for a couple of hours before you start applying your coating.
If you are applying a wood stain or varnish on your timber, use a synthetic brush with a water-based product and a natural bristle brush with a solvent-based.

Conclusion