We must remember that wood is generally a porous material. If our product is intended for outdoor use, we need to think about protecting it from the elements. The first step in this process is always to apply one or more coats of wood stain. This product primarily serves to protect wood from the inside; as the name suggests, it penetrates the wood fibers and guards against water, UV rays, and other environmental factors, depending on the specific product used.

At the same time, you can also choose a colored wood stain, giving your item a different appearance. Just like human skin, the lighter the wood, the more it suffers from sun exposure, while darker wood tends to withstand the sun’s rays better over time.

Common Mistakes:

• A dye is not the same as a colored wood stain; the former only adds color without providing protection.
• Once wood has been varnished, it cannot be treated with wood stain because it would “slide off” instead of penetrating the wood.
• Failure to maintain the wood over time: wood is a living material that needs to be cared for and “nourished” regularly to preserve its beauty.

Article written by: Ind. Exp. Massimo Rubbi – A.I.T.I.V.A. member, Emilia Romagna Region – CTU n. 48, Piacenza Court. Tel: 0039 3289205637.