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109 Sydenham Rd
Marrickville, NSW, 2204

+61 (0)410 32 5575

In every Australian garage is an unloved chair... Little Red Industries aims to find them and completely revamp them to last another lifetime. Great design choices, unique finishes and fabrics and smart repairs combine with a guarantee that sturdiness and a solid structure always come first. If you're after a certain style or something special Little Red Industries can source it for you.

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While nothing beats the satisfaction of doing it yourself (that's what DIY is all about!), with Little Red Industries you're not alone.

Guide to Timber Stain & Varnish

Natasha Dickins

I always finish woodworking projects by sealing them to protect against moisture and UV damage while resisting dents and scratches. While I often use clear varnish, adding a stain can add more depth and warmth.

 

Timber stains have mid-strength pigment that colours the raw timber. One of my favourite combination products is oil-based Monocel Stain & Varnish that penetrates the surface to enrich without completely covering the woodgrain.

 

I made some samples from Tasmanian oak, a eucalyptus hardwood also called Victorian ash.

 

There are five semi-transparent tints that give a satin finish with a slight sheen: Merbau, Chestnut, Cedar, Jarrah and Walnut. I also did a Clear sample without stain.

TIP I left the base of the sample raw. The middles section shows one coat and the top shows two.

 
“A combination stain-and-varnish seals the timber while adding colour to enhance the grain. I couldn’t decide on a colour so created a set of samples to keep in my workshop.”
— Natasha
 

Monocel CLEAR Varnish gives a naturally light, golden-honey finish. This is Satin. It also comes in Matt, Gloss and Ultra Gloss.

STYLE Natural

 

Monocel Stain & Varnish in MERBAU results in a soft, golden-brown with a slightly pink tones. It’s the lightest of the stains.

STYLE Modern

 

Monocel Stain & Varnish in CHESTNUT has a medium-brown finish that darkens over woodgrain. It pares well with black fixtures and fasteners.

STYLE Industrial

 

Monocel Stain & Varnish in CEDAR is a warm, mid-brown with a golden tint that results in a coppery finish. It suits antique style furniture.

STYLE Classic

 

Monocel Stain & Varnish in JARRAH is a strong, deep red-brown. Add more coats for a deeper finish. This species was often used in Federation homes.

STYLE Traditional

 

Monocel Stain & Varnish in WALNUT is the darkest of the stains, creating a luxurious, rich brown shade that suits vintage furniture.

STYLE Mid-century

 

APPLYING STAIN & VARNISH

➀ Smooth the timber with fine-grit sandpaper then wipe away the dust.

➁ Apply the first coat, leaving to dry for 5-6 hours.

➂ Smooth lightly with fine-grit sandpaper then wipe away dust.

➃ For interior projects, apply 2-3 coats, leaving to dry after each. For exteriors projects, apply 3-4 coats.

TIP Use a brush for small or intricate areas and a mini mohair roller for larger areas. Between coats, wrap in a zip-lock bag to prevent it from drying out. If waiting for longer than 6-8 hours, wash and leave the brush to dry or replace the roller cover.

 

Which finish will you choose for your next project?

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