Woodstain

[Rubyblueshoes]

Hello.
Just bought some Johnstones Satin Woodstain in 'Walnut' for our French Doors. My dad (our builder) says that it's not suitable as it basically contains a varnish and you won't be able to see the grain under the colour.
Is he right?

 

[JohnD]

it will look better if you use a wood dye such as Colron, which will bring out the grain and give it colour, followed by a clear satin varnish.

 

[Rubyblueshoes]

Thanks John, just looked up Colron and their site says:

Can wood dye be used outside? No, the pigments in the wood dyes will fade very quickly outside.

What do you reckon?

 

[JohnD]

well I didn't know that

I use it on my hardwood door-sills and hadn't noticed it fading, but perhaps it does. I oil mine, and will be retreating this year including rubbing down and re-dyeing.

The hardwood doors have retained their colour, except where the protective coat had weathered off.

 

[Rubyblueshoes]

I guess it depends on the amount of sun. Our doors are south facing and get direct sun all day.

 

[foxhole]

Woodstain is not usually a varnish, you can however get coloured varnish, hardwoods used for external joinery often have very little grain to show through which is why woodstain is used, it gives a unifom finish.If you have souht facing doors I would suggest an extra coat or two and at least an extra two coats on any horizontal surfaces [rain combined with wind and sun wear these areas quicker].