Every seasoned hardwood flooring contractor has had their fair share of experiences with stains, finishes, and the quest for the perfect color blend. DuraSeal stains, known for their quality and versatility, offer endless possibilities for customizing wood floors. However, mastering the art of mixing DuraSeal stain colors takes some time and experimentation. Whether you're a budding craftsman or just looking to refine your skills, these three tips will help guide you.

1. Achieving the Coveted Raw Wood Look

The allure of a raw wood look lies in its simplicity and natural beauty. It's a style that complements both modern and traditional interiors, making it a sought-after choice for many. Achieving this look can be surprisingly straightforward with the right mix of DuraSeal stains.

A blend that has proven effective involves a 1:1 ratio of Country White and Neutral, or for a subtler effect, a 2:1 ratio favoring Neutral. This combination, especially on white oak, captures the essence of untreated wood while providing the protection and durability of a finish. Toby Merrill from DuraSeal puts it succinctly: "This ratio, particularly on white oak and coating over it, will give you a raw look." This helps you get an organic and untouched aesthetic without sacrificing quality.

2. Lightening Colors Without Altering Tones

One common challenge when working with wood stains is adjusting the intensity of the color without changing its underlying tone. Your instinct might be to use a white stain to lighten, but this can lead to unexpected and often undesired results.

Instead, consider using Neutral to dilute your chosen color. This approach reduces the color's intensity without shifting its tone. Toby Merrill explains the advantage of this method: "The white will add in some different effects. The whites tend to be opaque, so we'll get a bit of a muddier look when we use white." 

By cutting your primary color with Neutral, you maintain the original hues and achieve a lighter shade, offering a cleaner and more precise control over the final appearance.

Watch the video of Toby mixing Dark Walnut with Neutral and Country White

3. Toning Down Grays Without Adding Warmth

Gray stains are popular for their modern, sophisticated look, but achieving the perfect shade can be tricky. If your customer finds the original gray too intense, consider toning it down. There's a way to do so without inadvertently warming up the color.

Dave Cambra from DuraSeal suggests using Silvered Gray to lighten other gray stains. This specific color helps neutralize without adding the amber tones that a Neutral might introduce. Toby Merrill adds, "You don't add in the amber tones of the Neutral then." This tip is crucial for preserving the cool, crisp character of their gray without dimming its modern edge.

Get the Look You Want with DuraSeal

Mixing DuraSeal stain colors offers a world of possibilities for customizing wood floors, but achieving the desired outcome requires knowledge and finesse. By understanding how these stain colors work together, you can unlock new levels of creativity in your flooring projects. Remember, the key to mastery is experimentation. Don't be afraid to test different ratios and combinations on sample boards to discover what works best for your project. Happy staining!

Want to learn more? Check out our videos from DuraSeal or contact us at sales@floormechanics.com so we can connect you with your DuraSeal rep.