Why use reactive stains for wood in your home? How are they different than commonly used pigmented stains?
Reactive wood stains are special stains that change the wood’s natural color by reacting with what’s already inside the wood. Instead of adding color on top, they bring out tones that come from the wood itself. This creates rich, natural-looking colors with an aged or weathered feel.
Pigmented stains, on the other hand, work more like paint. They add color by putting tiny color particles on the surface of the wood. This gives a more even and predictable color but can sometimes hide some of the wood’s natural character.
In short:
- Reactive stains create color within the wood for a more natural, varied look.
- Pigmented stains apply color onto the wood for a smoother, more uniform look.
Chisel & Loom 