What products do you use for interior wood staining?

We use professional-grade stains, lacquers, and topcoats from trusted manufacturers. Product selection is one of the most important decisions in any wood finishing project, and choosing the right combination for your specific wood species, environment, and desired look makes the difference between a finish that lasts years and one that fails within months.

Stains We Use

For penetrating oil-based stains, our go-to products include:

• Minwax Penetrating Wood Stain: The industry standard for consistent colour on oak, maple, and birch. Available in dozens of colours and blends beautifully for custom tones. We use this for most railing, trim, and door projects.
• General Finishes Gel Stain: Ideal for woods that tend to blotch (pine, cherry, alder). The gel formula sits on the surface longer, giving us more control over colour depth and evenness. It produces exceptional results on vertical surfaces like spindles and door frames.
• Varathane Premium Wood Stain: A fast-drying option that works well when project timelines are tight. It offers good colour consistency and is available in both oil and water-based formulations.

Lacquers and Topcoats

The protective topcoat is where the real durability comes from:

• M.L. Campbell MagnaMax: Our preferred pre-catalyzed lacquer for railings, built-ins, and trim. It cures to an extremely hard film that resists scratching, water rings, and household chemicals. This is a professional-only product that requires HVLP spray application.
• Sherwin-Williams CAB-Acrylic Lacquer: A non-yellowing lacquer that is perfect for lighter stain colours where maintaining the true tone over time is critical. White oak stained in natural or golden tones stays true for years with this topcoat.
• M.L. Campbell Conversion Varnish: The hardest, most durable finish available for interior wood. We use this primarily on kitchen cabinets and high-traffic surfaces. It offers superior resistance to heat, moisture, and abrasion compared to standard lacquer.

Why Product Choice Matters

Edmonton's dry indoor climate (especially during the long heating season from October through April) puts unique stress on wood finishes. Low humidity causes wood to contract, and a brittle or poorly bonded finish will crack and peel. The products we select are specifically formulated to flex with seasonal wood movement while maintaining their protective properties.

VOC Considerations

We are mindful of indoor air quality, particularly in homes with young children or sensitivities. Water-based topcoats like General Finishes High Performance offer excellent durability with significantly lower VOC emissions. For occupied homes where odour is a concern, we can build a finishing system around low-VOC products without sacrificing long-term performance. Contact us to discuss the best product options for your project.