What’s the difference between stain and paint? Which do I need?

There are some key differences between stain and paint, and some essential ways to tell them apart and to know which you need. While stain provides protection similar in ways to how paints do, stain has a thinner consistency and soaks into the wood (whereas paint resides on the surface). Stain generally doesn’t require as many coats as does paint. Stain tends to dry faster, which is good news if you’re staining a deck or fence, for example, and it’s exposed to incoming weather. Stain features a more natural look, bringing out the best of the wood’s highlights versus paint which covers wood. Stain is matted, versus the range that paint provides in matte to sheen. Stain does change the colour and tone of the wood but keeps it within a natural range. If you’re looking to give wood a natural look, and you are coating a high-traffic wood surface (and/or one that’s exposed to the elements), stain is a great choice. Your Bonds Decor Ottawa stain specialist will be happy to answer any other stain questions you may have.

How do I know how much stain to buy and how much coverage it will provide?

The first thing we like to let folks know is that you can always come back to Bonds Décor to buy more stains. That’s why it really is preferable to buy too little stain than too much. Calculate the surface area being stained and divide that by the number of square feet a gallon of stain can cover. We can help you find this number, or the stain company’s website should have this info. Also important for stains is the type of surface you’ll be staining. A rough or porous surface will require more stain than a smooth, well-sealed surface. Your Bonds Décor Ottawa stain specialist will be happy to work with you to get the right amount of stain for your home staining project.

Is stain prep different from wood prep? Can I just slap on a coat of stain and be good to go?

There are similarities between paint prep and stain prep. To be sure, you will want to clear off and clean the wood surface you are going to stain. It should be free of dirt, dust, mold, mildew or other particulates. Pressure washing a fence is a good idea, too, especially if there was already a stain on the surface that was wearing down over time (you can also gently pressure wash a deck, but don’t go too far). You may find that decks have unwanted residue or stains left from furniture, BBQ grills, pets and whatnot – using a wood cleaner before staining will help produce a better wood stain result. Your Bonds Décor Ottawa stain specialist will be happy to work with you on making the most and getting the best results from your wood staining project.

How can I protect other areas and surfaces like grass, pavement, walkways, driveways etc. when staining?

Good question! Wood staining around your home exterior requires some planning and prep. Any surface that you don’t want stained should be protected properly before proceeding with the staining. Porous surfaces like concrete, stone, brick, and masonry can be treated with water to protect them while you are staining. Use a mixture of dish soap and water. The higher the humidity and higher the temperature outside, the longer the surface will stay wet. You may notice that grass gets a little discoloured near the fence or deck that is being stained; over time this will disappear as the grass grows new grass comes in. Stain that gets onto metal surfaces can be cleaned off with a dry wipe or, in some cases, special hardware. Your Bonds Décor Ottawa stain specialist will be happy to work with you on making the most and getting the best results from your wood staining project.

Do you offer colour matching for interior paint?

Yes, we do! If you have a specific shade in mind for your interior paint project, our skilled team can provide you with a custom paint colour. Bring in your inspiration for the colour you would like and our team would be happy to provide you with a paint colour that matches. Contact us or visit us in store at one of our locations in Ottawa for your interior paint needs.

What services do you offer designers in Ottawa?

For designers, interior decorators, painters, and other vendors, we’re a one-stop-shop for all of your paint, furniture, and hardware needs. We carry everything you’ll need to successfully complete the project you’re working on for your client. Whether you’re in need of a specific shade of paint or a custom furniture piece to complete your design, our team at Bonds Decor is ready to help! If you’re looking for a trusted partner for interior or exterior projects in Ottawa, get in touch with our team today!

Will you be able to recommend a wood stain for me to use for a project?

Yes, we can! Whether you’re staining a deck for a client or adding the finishing touches to a custom woodworking piece, we’ll be able to help you pick out the perfect wood stain. When it comes to staining projects, it all depends on the type of surface you’ll be staining. A rough or porous surface will require more stain than a smooth, well-sealed surface would. We have experience working with designers on their projects involving a variety of types of wood. Our team will be able to help you find the right stain to use for your project. Contact our team at one of our locations for more information on wood stains in Ottawa.

What decor & paint brands do you carry?

At Bonds Decor, we value quality. This is why we supply brands that offer top-notch furniture, decor, and paint. In store, we carry paint brands including Benjamin Moore, Pittsburgh Paints and more. For furniture, we carry brands like Ruffsawn Furniture, Dinec, Shermag and more! Get in touch with us to learn more about the brands we carry or visit us in store at one of our location in Ottawa.

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Bonds Decor Has Been Family Owned For Over 90 Years

Bonds Decor Ottawa is a family-owned home furniture, paint and home decor store based in Ottawa, ON. Since 1927, Bonds Decor has served customers with top notch customer service in the greater Ottawa area with unique home furniture, interior paints and home decor.

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