FAQ
1. Company Information & Services
Where can I find local stockists?
You can locate your nearest stockist using our retail stockist directory, organised by county. We recommend calling ahead to confirm product availability and colour options, as stockists may not carry our complete range. If your preferred product isn't available locally, we offer direct delivery to your door with standard 3-day service or next-day delivery for orders placed before 1pm.
Can I collect directly from your facility?
Yes, customers are welcome to collect orders from our manufacturing facility. Please check our contact page for operating hours and call ahead to confirm your products and colours are in stock.
Where are your wood stains manufactured?
We manufacture all wood stains and timber coatings at our production facility in Somerset, ensuring consistent quality and supporting local manufacturing.
What is the shelf life of your products?
Our products maintain quality for 2 years when stored sealed and frost-free. Pigments and materials naturally settle over time, so thorough mixing is essential before use. We recommend using an inexpensive hand blender for quick, effective remixing.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we serve the UK and select parts of Ireland. International shipping is limited due to chemical regulations and cost considerations, though we're exploring expansion opportunities.
2. Product Safety & Environmental
Are your wood stains safe around children and pets?
Yes, once fully dried (minimum 24 hours), our products are safe for use around children, pets, and plants. Our formulations comply with BS EN-71 standards and are suitable for products carrying the CE mark.
What are the eco-credentials of your products?
Our products feature strong environmental credentials:
- Water-based formulations with low VOC content
- Minimal odor emissions
- Renewable resource components where possible
- UK manufacturing reducing transport impact
- Recyclable packaging materials
- Comprehensive factory waste recycling programs
Are your products suitable for food contact surfaces?
While not recommended for direct food contact surfaces like cutting boards, our products are appropriate for dining tables, kitchen cabinets, and similar applications.
Do you provide safety data sheets?
Although our products aren't classified as hazardous, we provide comprehensive safety data sheets upon request for information and compliance purposes.
Are your products tested on animals?
Our finished products undergo no animal testing. While some historical raw material testing may have occurred during ingredient development, we prioritise sourcing the most sustainable and ethical materials available.
Do your products contain animal-derived ingredients?
No, all our wood stains are completely free from animal products.
3. Technical Application
How much product do I need?
Coverage varies with surface porosity, typically ranging from 8-12m² per litre. Refer to the product information for details.
How many coats should I apply?
Our products work optimally with 2-coat application. Rough-sawn timber may require only one coat, while buildings benefit from a second coat for enhanced waterproofing. A third coat can deepen colour and coverage, but additional coats may destabilise the finish.
What spraying equipment should I use?
Our products work best with low-pressure or airless spraying systems. Garden pump sprayers, knapsack sprayers, and electric fence sprayers are all suitable. Keep nozzles clean by rinsing with water between uses and after application to prevent blocking.
How long should I wait before applying products to pressure-treated timber?
Freshly pressure-treated timber should weather for up to 12 months before stain application. This allows salt residues and preservation waxes to naturally weather away, ensuring optimal adhesion. You can accelerate this process by washing surfaces with water and detergent or by using our Stain Blocking Primer as an undercoat.
Do I need knotting agent on pressure-treated timber?
Yes, if your new timber has resinous knots. Apply quality water-based exterior-grade knotting agent to knots if you want to prevent resin stains on your finish. Not required for natural wood tone colours but recommend if you require a coloured painted finish.
Are your waterproof coatings breathable?
Yes, our acrylic formulations create microporous coatings that allow timber to breathe while providing water protection.
4. Product Selection & Compatibility
Can I mix different colours together?
Yes, but only mix colours within the same product range. Use an electric hand blender to ensure complete integration of pigments and waxes.
How do I change from dark to light colours?
Changing dark to light colours can be challenging. For best results, sand back the existing dark coating. Our Wood Stain & Protect and Royal Exterior ranges offer the best coverage for overcoating dark colours with lighter shades.
Can I apply your products over old treatments?
Yes, you can apply over old treatments, including spirit-based stains and creosote, provided the existing coating is well-weathered and the surface is properly cleaned. For optimal performance, we recommend sanding back to bare wood.
Do your clear products contain UV protection?
Our clear formulations provide UV filtering through resins and acrylics, slowing colour fade, but natural timber graying will still occur over time.
5. Wood Type Specific Applications
What should I use on hardwoods like oak?
For all hardwoods, use our Royal Exterior or Royal Interior ranges, as other products won't adequately penetrate dense hardwood grain.
What's your recommendation for green oak?
Due to high moisture content and tight grain, green oak should weather and dry before treatment. Once ready, we recommend Royal Exterior for optimal colour and protection.
What product works best on plywood?
For plywood in damp or external conditions, pre-treat with our Wood Preserver to prevent mold. Follow with Royal Exterior for durable, water-repellent protection that bonds well to plywood surfaces.
What should I use on cedar climbing frames?
Cedar's natural preservation qualities mean no treatment is needed for 20-30 years. For colour change or additional weather protection, apply Royal Exterior as a water-repellent coating.
What's recommended for garden furniture?
Royal Exterior is essential for garden furniture, as it's specifically designed to withstand standing water and increased wear from regular use.
Can I use your products around water features?
Our products are safe around ponds once fully dried. Never apply in-situ where product could run into water. Ensure complete protection from drips and splashes during application.
6. Specialised Applications
What's suitable for decking?
Use only our Decking Stain for deck boards, designed specifically for high foot-traffic applications. Royal Exterior, while durable, isn't formulated for decking use and may wear prematurely.
What should I use on raised vegetable beds?
Royal Exterior provides hard-wearing protection suitable for both vertical and horizontal planter surfaces. Safe around plants once dried, though we recommend internal liners to protect coating from soil contact.
What's safe for animal housing like rabbit hutches?
All our products suit animal housing applications. Apply to both interior and exterior surfaces, allowing 24-hours drying time before returning animals. Royal Exterior and Decking Stain work well for hutch flooring applications.
What works for beach huts?
Royal Exterior is essential for coastal applications, specifically designed to withstand high exposure and sea spray conditions.
What should I use for interior floorboards and stairs?
Decking Stain offers the durability needed for foot traffic. Alternatively, use Royal Interior with a water-based breathable polyurethane topcoat for enhanced protection.
7. Product Range Specific Information
Can I use Royal Exterior on rough-sawn fence panels?
Yes, Royal Exterior works excellently on any timber surface. For fencing, one coat typically suffices, with a second coat extending lifespan and colour depth. Adding 10% water is recommended if timber is very dry.