can you use exterior stain inside

by Tamara Schiller Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

As a general rule, use exterior stains outside and interior stains indoors, but what's a rule if you can't break it? Exterior stains are formulated to make wood last longer in areas of high moisture and intense sunlight.

Can you use exterior wood stain indoors?

You may need to go lighter with the exterior stain to keep it close to what you are looking to have. Furthermore, why exterior wood stain Cannot be used indoors? Because of their exposure to the elements, exterior deck stains almost always contain fungicides that kill mold, mildew and fungi.

Should you stain inside or outside of Your House?

By Chris Deziel. As a general rule, use exterior stains outside and interior stains indoors, but what's a rule if you can't break it? Exterior stains are formulated to make wood last longer in areas of high moisture and intense sunlight.

Can you use exterior stain on kitchen cabinets?

Not all exterior stains are heavily pigmented, but those that are may not be the best choice for kitchen cabinets. Semi-transparent and solid stains are essentially thin paints, and while they might look attractive in a rough-sawn cedar fence, they might not spread evenly on an interior hardwood surface.

Can you use polyurethane stain outside?

Because polyurethane is a clear finish, it can bring out the beauty of wood. Most polyurethanes rated for exterior use will be oil based. Don't attempt to use an interior polyurethane outside because the finish will peel off very quickly. Accordingly, is there a difference between indoor and outdoor stain?

Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor stain?

Exterior deck stain products often incorporate additional chemicals, such as fungicides, that may be unsafe for interior use. They are formulated for better durability, but produce fumes that simply aren't appropriate for an indoor environment.

Can you use wood stain inside?

When staining indoor wood furniture, shelving or other interior pieces, you'll typically apply the stain with a brush or cloth, let it penetrate the wood (without drying) and then wipe off the excess. With some stains, you can darken the color with a second coat after several hours.

Is it safe to use exterior varnish indoors?

It is best to use a flexible exterior varnish for outdoor furniture, unless you intend to bring the furniture into a heated building for the winter. Don't throw your boyfriend under the bus! You can safely use Circa 1850 Exterior Varnish for all your interior woodwork.Dec 13, 2004

Can I use oil based stain inside?

Oil-based interior stain is what most people think of when it comes to wood stain. They are readily available and the easiest to use. They usually have a linseed oil binder that allows plenty of time to remove the excess before the stain dries.

Why exterior wood stain Cannot be used indoors?

Because of their exposure to the elements, exterior deck stains almost always contain fungicides that kill mold, mildew and fungi. These chemicals can be toxic to humans, so the products should not be used on indoor wood floors or furniture.

What is the best exterior stain?

The following top 10 deck stains are rated from one to five stars, based on the consumer criteria identified above. Sikkens Cetol Dek Finish. Cabot Decking Stain 1480. Sikkens Cetol SRD. Cabot Semi-Transparent Deck and Siding Stain 6300. Wolman Durastain. DEFY Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain. Superdeck Semi-Transparent Deck Stain.

Can staining wood Cause Cancer?

Longer exposures can cause cancer, liver and kidney damage, or central nervous system damage.

What is exterior stain?

Exterior Stain. Exterior stain is intended for use on decks, rails, siding, shingles, trim, shutters, patio furniture, and pretty much any wooden item used outdoors. These include mildew blockers, fade resistors, scuff resistors (deck surfaces), and even insect repellents.

Do you have to put polyurethane over stain?

While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. Without a protective top coat, wood can be damaged easily due to contact with water, food, or sharp objects. A polyurethane top coat protects the wood from scratches, stains and water damage.

What is the best stain for outdoor wood?

Defy Extreme – Perfect For Exterior Decks And Pressure Treated Wood. Ready Seal – Top Exterior Stain for Wooden Fence And Siding. #1 Deck Premium Wood Stain – Choice For Exterior Siding and Floors. Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain – All In One Application. Old Masters – Gel Wood Stain For Outdoor Use.

Can you use decking oil on indoor furniture?

Furniture oil is optimised for indoor furniture, where it won't generally be subjected to rain. Decking oil is optimised for decking, which probably is susceptible to rain.

What type of paint is used on stucco?

According to Benjamin Moore Paints, most exterior acrylic latex paint will work on various exterior surfaces, including stucco, wood siding, fiber cement and brick. Though increasingly less used, true exterior enamel is an oil-based paint that requires turpentine or mineral spirits for clean-up.

Does interior paint stand up to the elements?

Interior paint doesn’t contain the same resins, fungicides and other additives as exterior paint so it will not stand up to the elements, even when applied to a sheltered spot like a front door on a covered porch.

Does exterior paint contain resin?

Exterior paint contains resins that help the paint expand and contract (instead of crack) depending on the weather, as well as additives to deter mildew, fading, and staining — for example, from a sprinkler system using mineral-rich well water.

What is the purpose of exterior stain?

One of the important functions of an exterior stain is to block ultraviolet sunlight, which deteriorates the surface cells of wood and turns the wood gray. Not all exterior stains are heavily pigmented, but those that are may not be the best choice for kitchen cabinets. Semi-transparent and solid stains are essentially thin paints, and while they might look attractive in a rough-sawn cedar fence, they might not spread evenly on an interior hardwood surface. In addition, they will probably peel if your cabinets already have a finish.

What is the difference between exterior stain and base stain?

Exterior stains differ in their base solvent -- which is either water or a volatile petroleum distillate -- the amount of pigment they contain and the mildew- and rot-killing additives they contain.

Do you need clear coat for semi transparent stain?

Durability -- Semi-transparent and solid exterior stains are designed to cure to a washable, scratch-resistant that needs no clear coat. You'll need a clear-coat if you're using a transparent stain, but that's true whether the stain is an exterior or interior one.

Doors

Interior stains can be applied to doors and door frames. This creates a cohesive look even if the types of wood used throughout your home are different.

What Are the Different Types of Stain?

Interior stains differ by their carrier (base), dye, and pigments. The carrier refers to whether a stain is oil-based or water-based. Other components may include resins and additives.

What Stain Is Best For Outdoors?

The best stain for outdoors is the one treated to resist mold, water damage, and sunlight.

Can you use interior stains outside?

Interior stains are not formulated the same way exterior stains are and therefore they lack vital chemicals such as UV absorbers, mold retardants and therefore will not be effective and last as long as exterior stains. However, you can use interior stains on surfaces with less sunlight exposure.

Will interior stain work outside?

Interior stains and exterior stains are manufactured with different chemicals and compositions because of the different requirements both stains need to meet on these different surfaces indoors and outdoors.

What happens if you use interior stains outdoors?

Using indoor stains outdoors might be a budget-friendly move but in the long run, it could bring avoidable consequences on your outdoor wooden structures. Some of the common problems after using indoor stains outdoors are listed below:

What is the difference between interior and exterior stains?

Interior stains and exterior stains are manufactured much differently because both stains are applied to different locations where they face different temperatures, humidity, and other external factors.

Can interior stain be used outside if sealed by polyacrylic?

Polyacrylic is a water-based finish that is highly water tolerant and is used on top of stains to protect it from moisture and high humidity. It can be applied outdoors with a spray or rollers to provide protection to wooden surfaces.

How to use interior stains outside?

It is highly advised to not use interior stains outside and instead use specific exterior stains because they are manufactured with chemicals to protect wooden surfaces outdoors better. But if you wish to use your existing interior stains outside, here’s how you can do it:

Final Thoughts

Interior stains are not manufactured in the same manner as exterior stains are, and as a result, they lack important chemicals including UV absorbers and mold retardants, making them less effective and durable. But Interior stains can be used on surfaces that receive less sunlight.

Why can't I use exterior wood stain indoors?

Thereof, why exterior wood stain Cannot be used indoors? Because of their exposure to the elements, exterior deck stains almost always contain fungicides that kill mold, mildew and fungi . These chemicals can be toxic to humans, so the products should not be used on indoor wood floors or furniture.

Does interior stain fade?

Interior lacks the UV protection of the exterior product, so it will fade if exposed to the sun. If not, it will last just as long. And if you re-stain with the same exterior color it will be darker. You may need to go lighter with the exterior stain to keep it close to what you are looking to have. Click to see full answer.

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