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From habitat plus - wood stains

Resene Colorwood can be used on walls and flooring but also on furniture and toys. Two popular traditional stained effects you may wish to try are distressing and two-tone:

Distressing

Create a vintage timeworn look on furniture using the distressing technique. Apply Resene Colorwood and allow it to dry completely. Remove the stain from selected areas, usually edges and corners, using p180-p220 grit sandpaper. This allows the wood to show through the colour to simulate wear and tear. Finish by sealing the entire surface with a clear coat, such as Resene Aquaclear.

Two-tone effect

Resene Colorwood stains can be layered to produce exciting and unique results much like a colourwash effect. To create this effect, first, apply a base colour of Resene Colorwood stain and wipe off any excess. Immediately feather on a second Resene Colorwood colour and wipe down carefully. Add additional Resene Colorwood colours for a multi-tone effect. Allow the stain to dry completely, and then apply your clear topcoat. This effect works particularly well with two similar colours. For a more dramatic result, allow the first colour to dry before applying the second colour or distress the stain by sanding lightly along the grain before applying a clear coat. This effect works well on walls and furniture such as headboards.

You can also use this technique to replicate a pickling effect – simply apply one of the lighter Resene Colorwood stains such as Resene Natural followed by a coat of Resene Rock Salt. Wipe off the excess stain, leaving touches of the lighter stain behind to soften the base colour. Vary the contrast colours to suit your colour palette.

Application tips

• As Resene Colorwood is semi-transparent, any marks and stains on the timber will show through. Sand new wood following the grain to remove any surface imperfections and wipe clean before applying Resene Colorwood.

• Dampen the surface by spraying a light mist of clean water onto the surface to reduce the absorbency of the board. Add Resene Hot Weather Additive to slow drying if required.

• Plan your staining process. Resene Colorwood should remain wet before wiping off the excess. Allow the product to stay on the surface for approximately five minutes before wiping. Ensure the stain is applied evenly – the longer the stain is left on the surface, the deeper the colour will be. Take care to avoid lap marks as these will make your finish look uneven.

• Wipe the surface using a clean cloth to remove excess stain and have extra cloths handy to replace saturated cloths.

• Leave Resene Colorwood to dry before overcoating with a clear Resene finish. Interior stains left uncoated have no resistance to marks such as watermarks or coffee cup stains.

Want to get your own free copy of future issues of Habitat magazine?

• Retail customers and homeowners: All Resene ColorShop and DIY Cardholders are sent a copy of each issue of Habitat. Sign up for your free card here - Australian residents - New Zealand residents.
• Specifiers: Sign up for Habitat here.

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