Wood stain test & comparison: The top products at a glance 2023

Wood stain: Everything you always wanted to know

So, you have a piece of wood and want to keep it longer than just until the next rain shower? Then we have a magic word for you: wood stain. Sounds easy doesn't it? It is. At least most. Let's dive a little deeper into the matter.

What actually is a wood stain?

Well, that's a question! A wood stain is a protective agent that is applied to wood to protect it from external influences. It is like the bodyguard for your wooden furniture. And the best thing is, she looks good too!

Where did the idea of ​​glazing wood come from? Who invented this?

Good question! You don't know for sure. But the principle of sealing wood to make it more durable was already known in ancient times. The ancient Egyptians treated their furniture with waxes and oils. And somehow the principle has remained the same, only the Technology has evolved.

How and where is a wood stain applied?

So, it's a bit like cooking. You need the right ingredients, the right tools and a bit of patience. Before applying the stain, the wood must be clean and dry. Then the glaze is applied with a brush. You can do this with almost any wood, whether inside or outside.

Why do I need a wood stain?

That's obvious! Wood is a natural material and has enemies such as moisture, fungi and insects. The wood stain is, so to speak, the knight in shining armor that protects the wood from these dangers. And in addition, a glaze can beautify the wood. That's a great deal, isn't it?

When should I apply a wood stain?

Well, preferably when the wood is new and still intact. Then the glaze can unfold its full effect. But even older wood can still be treated, you just have to clean it thoroughly and sand it down if necessary.

Alternatives to wood stain

oil and wax

A popular alternative to glaze are natural oils and waxes. They penetrate deep into the wood and offer good protection against moisture. In contrast to glaze, they only change the appearance of the wood minimally.

Varnishes

Varnishes form an impermeable layer on the wood and thus offer strong protection against external influences. They can be transparent or pigmented and change the appearance of the wood more than glazes.

wood impregnation

Wood impregnation primarily protects the wood from pests and rot. They penetrate deep into the wood, but hardly change the appearance.

What you should consider before buying a wood stain

The purpose of usage

Regardless of whether you want to glaze your garden shed or your interior doors, you must first consider the intended use. Outdoors you need a glaze that offers strong protection against the weather and UV rays, while indoors a simpler thin coat glaze will often suffice.

The color and the shine

Wood stain is available in many different colors and gloss levels, from transparent and matt to colored and glossy. Before you buy, think about what look you want your wood to look like.

The ingredients

Some wood stains can contain harmful ingredients. If you value an environmentally and health-friendly solution, you should pay attention to a glaze with natural or at least harmless ingredients.

Why it is worth buying a wood stain

Wood is a wonderful, natural material, but it needs care. With a wood stain you can extend the life of your wood, protect it from damage and freshen up or change its appearance. This keeps your wood beautiful and healthy for a long time - and it's definitely worth every penny!

What you should definitely know about wood stain

A wood stain is more than just a protective coating. It penetrates the wood and protects it from the inside without compromising breathability. It also brings out the natural beauty of the wood or changes its appearance as you wish. But remember: A good glaze needs good preparation. Thoroughly clean and sand the wood before applying the stain.

Where can you buy wood stains?

You can buy wood stains in many different stores and online shops. In retail you can find them, for example, in hardware stores such as OBI, Hornbach or Bauhaus. You can buy wood stains online, among other things Amazon, eBay and in the online shops of hardware stores.

Well-known manufacturers and brands for wood stain

Among the best-known manufacturers and brands for wood stain are:

• Bondex
• Nail
• Remmers
• Osmo
• Xyladecor

Best-selling wood stains

Some of the bestselling wood stains are:

• “Xyladecor Permanent Protection Glaze”
• “Remmers HK glaze”
• “Clou wood stain”

How are wood stains tested?

Various aspects are considered in a test for wood stain. First of all, the handling is evaluated: Can the glaze be opened and stirred well? How well does it apply and how even is the result? How quickly does the glaze dry and how strong is the smell?

An important point is of course the effect: How well does the glaze protect the wood from UV rays, moisture, mold and insects? For this purpose, test woods are treated with the glaze and then exposed to various loads.

Finally, the value for money is assessed: how much glaze do you get for your money and how long does the effect last?

Where have wood stains been tested?

Wood stains are tested by various magazines and consumer organizations. Some examples are:

• "Stiftung Warentest": In May 2020, she carried out a comprehensive test of wood stains. The results ranged from “good” to “poor”.
• "Eco test": In April 2021, Öko-Test tested various wood stains and mainly gave "sufficient" and "satisfactory" ratings.
• “Self is the man”: The DIY magazine published a test of wood stains in June 2022 and gave mostly positive reviews.

Conclusion: wood stain - a must-have for wood lovers

A good wood stain helps you get the most out of your wood: it protects it from damage, extends its lifespan and improves its appearance. Although it takes some work to purchase and use, it is an investment well worth it. So don't hesitate, get a can of wood stain and let your wood shine like new!