Interiors

But even indoors, nature needs a little protection. Even though interior timber does not face the full force of the sun’s rays and is not being pounded by rain, hail or snow, it needs protecting from contact, indirect UV light, moisture, dust and everyday wear and tear. The Resene Colorwood wood stain range and the Resene range of clear coats will help protect your interior timber.

Wood is good

It’s no coincidence that the timber interior trend that has been dominant for more than a decade also coincides with proliferation of the internet, social media and devices such as smartphones. As devices busy up our lives, we’re turning towards timber, which reminds us of simpler times and connects us to the outdoors. This simple natural aesthetic has a calming quality and the textures, grooves and grains of wood have a cosy quality that evokes relaxation. While some building materials may be cheaper, opting for a timber look doesn’t need to break the bank – simple plywood walls stained with Resene Colorwood can give a beautiful finish which is budget friendly and easy to achieve.

Going with the grain

Interior stains rejuvenate and enhance interior timber by showing off the timber grain while protecting it from UV, water and mould damage. They are usually overcoated with a clear finish for further protection.

top tip  Resene Colorwood Reducing Base (untinted tint base) may be used to soften or stretch a full strength Resene Colorwood stain colour, without losing the character and body of the undiluted stain. Resene Colorwood Reducing Base is also perfect on dark timbers to enhance the grain and appearance of the timber, without making the timber appear even darker.

* Must be overcoated  ** Mixed into appropriate clear waterborne timber finish

Resene Colorwood

This waterborne penetrating wood stain is formulated for interior timber and can be used to enhance timber and composite boards, including Strandboard, plywood, MDF and most flooring. It’s available in a range of natural shades as well as vibrant colours, is low odour and can be easily applied with a brush with the excess wiped off with a cloth. Resene Colorwood is usually overcoated with Resene Aquaclear, Resene Qristal Clear polyurethane or Resene Qristal ClearFloor.

Rough sawn interior timber, such as beams, may be stained with Resene Colorwood without clear finishing or polyurethaning.

A winning combination

Many people ask why it’s best to apply a basecoat of Resene Colorwood before applying a clear topcoat, even when opting for a natural look. Even though clear topcoats will protect timber because of their clear nature, they will always let light pass through and cannot prevent UV light from attacking the surface of the wood. The tinter in Resene Colorwood helps to block some of the UV light to provide more protection than a clear finish.

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.

If you have an idea, project or story that you think would suit habitat plus, we’d love to hear from you. Please drop us an email with your details and include photos if submitting a project.

habitat plus are not mailed directly. They are available free from Resene ColorShops and resellers while stocks last and available for viewing online.