Polycure’s range of water based and solvent based dye stains are ideal to use on domestic and commercial flooring, enhancing or changing the colour of the timber can transform the space.
Water based and solvent based dye stains differ in many ways. This article explores the pros and cons of these types of stains. Let’s start by defining what is a stain?
A stain is a coloured liquid that changes the colour of timber, however it doesn’t add any sheen or protection to the timber’s surface. Simply put, a stain colours the timber.
Note: To protect the stained timber a clear topcoat has to be applied once the stain has dried.
Now let’s talk about the pros and cons of each.
Solvent Based Dye Stains
| Pros | Cons |
|
Offer deeper and more dynamic colours (not seen with other staining options) Conceal blemishes on timber surfaces Versatile, can be applied over all timber species Best suited for professional applicators |
Flammable Class 3 liquids Masks recommended when applying the stain Messy clean up with turps |
Application Tip: Before applying the stain to a newly sanded floor, make sure the floor is properly prepared. Cleaning the floor properly will mean that the dye can penetrate into the timber to display a richer, dynamic colour. Read More.
Water Based Dye Stains
| Pros | Cons |
|
Water based dye stains are environmentally friendly Made with less dangerous chemicals than solvent based stains Colours are softer and more subtle Water wash up / Low odour Low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) Versatile, can be applied over all timber species |
Colour density is less bold than solvent based dye stains
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Want to learn more about Pigment & Dye stains? Click Here to read on and discover key differences between pigment and dye stains.
See our stains applied in action Link to Youtube Channel