Wood dye or oil??

[Brisayshi]

Hi all.

I'm doing up my house and have fitted some new doors and skirting boards etc. All the wood is soft wood. I want to darken the wood slightly - grain still visible - and protect it. After a quick look in my DIY book I think I'll use either wood dye or oil.
What do you think is the best and have you any tips for doing the job.

Thanks

[jaydah]

not oil, as that would loosen the grain in time

[razza]

Only use oil on dark wood.

[SlackAlice]

I used wood dye (colron I think). Then painted it with a clear varnish.
The wood needs a good rub down with a fine glasspaper first as any defects or marks would show up.

[heathfield]

Not oil - one day you just might want to paint that woodwork, and the oil could possibly prevent you from getting a decent finish. Also consider dying then clear varnishing. Wood dye alone won't stop dirt from penetrating the wood, but varnish will, and allow you to wipe marks off. (e.g. greasy handmarks on the doors).

[The Builder]

...another option Bri............ I usually use Sikkens Interior ( er....... I should say that other brands are available)

Sikkens Cetol Plus ......... Satin, looks classier than a high gloss ..........

[AlBags]

Yes .. Cetol ..
or Colron Wood Dye applied by hand .. and a cloth..

[Brisayshi]

Thanks for the answers. I went to my local hardware shop earlier and the only wood dye they stocked was a product called Rustins. The man behind the counter said is was good stuff but he ain't going to say it's rubbish is he. Went to a wood shop too and they also stocked it. Is this as good as Sikkens?
Also, after you have applied sikkens do you need to varnish as well to fully protect your wood?
Thanks again

[The Builder]

No Bri ................ Sikkens Cetol is a sort of upmarket varnish stain. Nothing else needed.

http://www.decorating.../viewprod/s/SIKTSINT/

[AlBags]

Rustins is just an expensive coloured varnish.
Colron or Cetol satin.

[Brisayshi]

Ok, thanks for the advice. Just one last question if I may :)
There are a few screw holes in the wood that I'll be staining. When it comes to using wood filler would you match the colour of the natural wood, the colour of the stain or a colour that is inbetween the two. Last time when I stained my back yard door with Ronseal the filler showed through. Any tips?

Thanks again for advice.

[The Builder]

I'd like to know that as well Bri :o)
Perhaps someone may know, but, I've never found one that worked well .............. I usually revert to old-fashioned brown putty!

[Brisayshi]

Ok I'll do some experimenting :). Cheers

[AlBags]

http://home-garden.sh...d=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

http://home-garden.sh...d=p3286.c0.m270.l1313