Wood stains are based on water, white spirit, alcohol, lacquer thinner or oil. Named after the wood whose color they resemble, these penetrate the wood permanently.

To give an even staining, the trick is to apply several thin coats — work from top to bottom on vertical surfaces to prevent drips and overlap marks. Use a pad (not a brush) made with cotton wool wrapped in a lint-free cloth and work backwards and forwards along the grain.

Stripped Wood Flooring

When completely dry, seal with a clear varnish that is compatible with the stain. If applying more than one sealing coat, rub down the surface each time with fine glass paper.

• Colored varnishes both seal and ‘stain’ the wood surface and are removable. They are also named after natural timber and are applied like ordinary clear varnish to sanded-smooth wood. You just go on applying the coats till you get the color you want — rubbing down between each.

Varnishes are oil (interior and exterior grades), spirit (not suitable for outdoors) or polyurethane based. Polyurethane varnishes can also be non-wood colors (such as red and green) and are especially useful if you want inexpensive wooden furniture to fit in with a color scheme.

When using varnishes remember:

• Never use a cellulose filler for it will always remain as a white mark. Choose a wood filler of similar color to the stripped wood.

• They have to be applied to perfectly smooth surfaces with all dust, grit and paint particles removed — wipe down with white spirit first, then leave to dry.

• Don’t attempt to apply them in dusty or windy conditions — the merest speck will spoil the finish and to be truly effective, stripped and sealed wood has to be beautifully smooth to the touch. A spray will give a more even finish than a brush.

• Stained oils both color and seal. They are particularly suited to wood exposed to the elements (e.g., outside doors and window sills) or wood that isn’t in very good condition. Choose from a range of natural timber colors and apply several coats to give the wood ‘depth’.