Stain Types Explained:
Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid, Full Bodied Solid/Opaque using Mr. Cornwall’s Creative Colours
Understanding the differences between stain types will help you choose the right products and approach for your project. Below is a breakdown of each category, focusing on appearance, protection and maintenance. All stains listed use our pure, finely ground pigments for unlimited colour options, enhanced durability and UV resistance.
Transparent Stain
Transparent Stain Appearance:
Maximizes wood grain visibility, offering a natural, "bare wood" look with minimal pigment saturation.
Subtle tint shifts enhance the wood’s natural colour without masking its character.
Transparent Stain Protection:
Moderate UV protection (transparent stains provide some shielding, but less than higher pigmented formulas).
Odie’s proprietary oil base formulas nourish wood, repel moisture and resist unwanted blemishes.
Transparent stain Maintenance:
May require reapplication after 1–2+ years for exterior use depending on sun/weather exposure and wear and tear due to lower pigment content.
Semi-Transparent Stain
Semi-Transparent Stain Appearance:
Allows partial grain visibility while adding noticeable colour with moderate pigment saturation.
Softens the wood’s natural colours and tones slightly but retains the natural charm.
Semi-Transparent Stain Protection:
Improves UV/weather resistance compared to transparent stains (More pigment = more UV protection).
Odie’s proprietary oil base formulas nourish wood, repel moisture and resist unwanted blemishes.
Semi-Transparent Stain Maintenance
May require reapplication after 1–3+ years for exterior use on depending on sun/weather exposure, wear and tear.
Semi-Solid Stain
Semi-Solid Stain Appearance:
Mutes most grain and texture, offering richer colour while hinting at the wood’s underlying structure with high pigment saturation.
Ideal for masking minor flaws or uneven aging.
Semi-Solid Stain Protection:
Strong UV/weather resistance; higher concentration of pigments block significant UV exposure.
Odie’s proprietary oil base formulas nourish wood, repel moisture and resist unwanted blemishes.
Semi-Solid Stain Maintenance:
May require reapplication after 2–4+ years for exterior use depending on sun/weather exposure and wear and tear.
Full Bodied Solid/Opaque Stain
*For transparent, semi-transparent and semi-solid stains we find that after the first maintenance application has been done, it typically extends the time before needing another maintenance by an additional year or more. No sanding required between maintenance applications! Simply clean the surface and let dry completely before proceeding with the next application.
Quick Reference Table
Why choose Mr. Cornwall’s Creative Colours and Odie’s Finishes?
Colour Stability: Our fully oxidized, completely stable pigments resist fading, even in direct sunlight providing ultimate UV protection. Sunscreen for the wood!
Durability: Odie’s Proprietary Oil base formulas ensure nourishment, stability and flexibility. No peeling, flaking or chipping while providing excellent wear, water and blemish resistance.
Eco-Friendly: 100% Pure Natural mineral pigments free of synthetic additives and Odie’s finishes formulated without the use of ANY toxic chemicals, petroleum derived solvents, isocyanate hardeners, heavy metals or added driers.
Choose the right stain based on your desired balance of natural beauty, colour intensity, and protection needs!
