Varnish vs stains

[Jronn65]

So, I stain or paint everything I make.  Anyone use varnish?  Is it better to use or does it matter?

[fredfret]

I put a finish over stain shellac, poly, varnish. Choice depends on desired finish and wood.

Fredfret

[amazingkevin]

I need more talk about this, I'm all ears.

[dansnow]

When I make my toys I use clear lacquer over stain. I found paint chips. I tried shellac but found it doesn't wear anywhere near as well as lacquer. I've tried polyurethane but the drying time is a great deal longer than lacquer, and not having a paint booth the quicker drying time of lacquer means less contamination of the surface. Just my humble opinion.

[Bill WIlson]

Stain, paint and varnish really serve quite different purposes. 

Stain is a colorant and adds no surface protection to the wood.

Paint adds color and, in some cases (depending on the type of paint) protection, but obscures the grain.

Varnish (oil based) will add a slight amber tint, but is mostly used to protect and add a clear sheen to the surface.

Stain and varnish are often used together to add color and protection.

The real question is; What are you trying to achieve? 

[Roberta Moreton]

Water based varnish is what I use over paint. It does not change the colors. Stain needs a topcoat. I think everything does. 

[oldhudson]

Waterlox varnish is what I used in my kitchen remodel a few years ago. It is a 'true' oil based varnish that make a really hard surface. But it's a bear to work with. I wouldn't think most hobby woodworkers would want to deal with all the issues when polyurethane and other water based finishes are so cheap and easy to work with. I don't think I'll ever go that route again.

I often stain projects to get the color I'm looking for / trying to match. I prefer those thick wipe-on stains.

Edited April 4, 2018 by oldhudson