If you are fairly new to working with timber, you may be full of questions about how to get the best out of this beautiful material.

One question our team are often asked, especially by those customers who are just starting to use wood in their home and garden projects, is what is the difference between priming and staining timber? And do I need to do either?

Well, the simple answer to the second question, is yes. We always recommend that timber is treated when possible, to protect the wood from the elements. But there is a big difference between staining and priming a piece of timber.

Here at Bedford Timber, we can black stain or white prime wood for our customers upon request. But for those of you who are unsure which one to do, we have explained the difference and the benefit of each treatment below.

What is wood primer?

Wood primer is an undercoat which is put on wood before you paint it. Using a wood primer has the following benefits:

  • It increases the durability of the paint job, meaning it will last longer.
  • It ensures better adhesion of the paint to the surface.
  • It helps protect the wood that’s being painted.

What is wood Staining?

Wood staining is used to colour the wood. Staining wood has the following benefits:

  • It is a great way to ensure the piece of wood ages well over time.
  • It can protect against moisture, rot and sunlight discoloration.
  • It keeps the wood looking aesthetically pleasing for longer, whilst still showing the natural grain of the wood.

If you would like to find out more about Wood Staining and Primer, please pop into either our St Neots or Bedford depots or give one of our team a call by visiting our Bedford Contact Page or St. Neots Contact Page.