After choosing paint for the walls and flooring throughout your entire home, your builder might ask what you are thinking in terms of stain color for other hardwood finishes. Banisters, fireplace mantels, and even some door casings might be finished in wood shades instead of painted white or black, but it can be tricky to select the right color of banister stain—since there are thousands to pick from. Here are three tips for choosing banister stain, so you don't regret your decision down the road.
1. Swatch Stains on Appropriate Hardwoods Unlike painting over white walls, wood railings have their own natural color. Since some of this color shows through when staining the surface, it is important to swatch stain colors on a similar hardwood prior to using the finish to stain your banister.
Before selecting a stain, ask your builder for a small sample of the same wood you are using for the wood finishes in your home. After you narrow down stain samples, use a piece of lint-free cloth to apply a swatch of stain against the appropriate hardwood.
By applying the stain choices to the same type of wood being used for the banister, you can quickly and easily see how the coating will look on the type of wood you are using. After the stain is applied, check for things like opacity, sheen, and color tone so that you don't encounter any surprises after your banisters are stained.
2. Think About Flooring and Cabinets Wood detailing like banisters and mantels aren't the only elements in your homemade from wood. It is also essential to think about how your newly stained banister will look against pre-existing wood elements, such as your hardwood floors and your kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.
After you have swatched stain colors, compare the piece of wood to other elements in your home. Pay attention to how the colors complement each other, and whether or not you can see one wood grain pattern more than any others. Try to select something that looks nice next to each other, since future buyers may pay attention to the details.
3. Consider Durability Some varieties of wood stain contain built-in polymers to protect your wood, while others need an additional coating of a sealant to protect the underlying wood. These polymers help to make the stained wood more resistant to scratches, dings, and water damage. Before you choose a stain for a heavily-used element like a banister, check the ratings online to see how others rate its level of durability.
If you are faced with selecting the appropriate stain shade, talk with your builder to learn more about your options. By sitting down, going through shade swatches, and talking with professionals about what they have been installing in homes, you may be able to improve outcomes and enjoy a more beautiful home.
To learn more, contact your local construction painting service today.
Share22 July 2019
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