satin or gloss woodstain?

[newbietothis]

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the difference between satin and gloss exterior woodstain (Ronseal Quick Drying) i.e. apart from a difference in reflectivity are there any advantages/good reasons for choosing one over the other.

All advice gratefully received.

[Rob Morley]

I'd avoid them both - they are not stains, but tinted varnish, so when they peel (which they probably will at some point) they will look patchy and horrible. If you want to change the colour of the wood use a spirit-based stain, if you want to varnish then use clear. Maybe I'm just a reactionary old git, and people will be along in a minute to say how convenient and durable the new-technology finishes are ...

[newbietothis]

Thanks Rob. Thing is I have found a good colour match with my existing windows. Is it the 'Quick Drying' bit that points to a tinted varnish i.e. if I were to go for same color in 'Ronseal 5 Year Woodstain' instead

would that be better?

[newbietothis]

It looks like 'Ronseal 5 Year Woodstain' is only for exterior wood?

How about 'Ronseal Interior & Exterior Woodstain'

, it says it 'flexes with the wood'? I need to stain both interior and exterior sides of window. Is this better than quick dry?

Thanks again.

[newbietothis]

Nightmare, 'Ronseal Interior & Exterior Woodstain' doesn't come in the color I want (Golden Cedar). So it looks like I am back to 'Quick Drying Woodstain' unless 'Ronseal 5 Year Woodstain' can be used internally too?

[Pete C]

Why not give Ronseal a call and ask about 5 yr vs internal/external?

Mmm, tempting! Ever tried using spirit stain on pine... ;)

cheers, Pete.