Varnish, Paint or Stain?

ripplyuk

I've ordered some plain pine bookshelves. They're not painted, just plain bare wood. I'm a bit confused about the difference between varnish, wood stain and paint. I don't want to darken them significantly, but they would match better with the other furniture if they looked a bit more 'finished'. Is it varnish I need? Any type? Or should I get wood stain? Is stain different to paint? I've never done this before, and I really don't want to get it wrong.

adandem

Paint will change the finish completely
Stain will allow you to keep the wood finish but change the colour. A simple stain won't offer protection, varnish with stain will colour and protect.
Clear varnish will make the wood slightly darker and will protect the wood.
With age, pine will darken/go more orange naturally.

The_ICT_Engineer

Why not wax the wood instead.

http://www.ronseal.co.uk/home/interior-wood-and-furniture/interior-wax/

aggypanthus

Varnish can be too shiny unless you get a matt finish one. It will need a few coats and sanding inbetween each one.

ripplyuk

I was thinking the varnish would be best but I'm not really keen to do any sanding. It sounds messy and I wouldn't have a clue about it, or whether I'm doing it right. The wax sounds good, though it's expensive. I only need a small amount and it seems to only come in larger tins. Will one coat of wax be enough, or does it need re-done occasionally?

Poppy9

Wax. A little goes a long way. I've waxed my wood block floors and it's quick and easy to do.

Mistral001

The_ICT_Engineer wrote: »

Why not wax the wood instead.

http://www.ronseal.co.uk/home/interior-wood-and-furniture/interior-wax/

I made a bookcase of veneered chipboard over 30 years ago. If I remember correctly, I stained it and then polished it with several layers of wax. I probably could have done without the stain, but it was what was recommended in an old book I had - think it brings out the grain. I just give it a polish every couple of years and it is still looking like something that just came out of a furniture shop.

aggypanthus

ripplyuk wrote: »

I was thinking the varnish would be best but I'm not really keen to do any sanding. It sounds messy and I wouldn't have a clue about it, or whether I'm doing it right. The wax sounds good, though it's expensive. I only need a small amount and it seems to only come in larger tins. Will one coat of wax be enough, or does it need re-done occasionally?

Its easy, its just needs a light rub down between coats as each coat is a bit grainy. 3 coats will do it.