Southern Stain Magalog

S O U T H E R N S T A I N
POLISHED
Australia's only stair polishing guide
AUD 18.99
3 REASONS
WHY YOU
SHOULD NEVER
HIRE A PAINTER
TO STAIN YOUR
STAIRCASE
It's not what you think!
THE LAY-UP THAT
WILL GIVE YOU THE
PERFECT FINISH
EVERY TIME
thinking of a DIY stain &
varnish. Don't start anything
until you read this
THE 8
MAINTENANCE
MISTAKES
and what you can do so your
staircase stays as pristine as the
day you moved in
TOP 5 BENEFITS TO
WATER BASED
STAIN
that the floor industry doesn't
want you to know

CONTENTS
FEATURES
6
8
12
14
3
4
16
17
18
THE 8 MAINTENANCE MISTAKES
TOP 5 BENEFITS TO WATER BASED STAIN
3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER
HIRE A PAINTER TO STAIN YOUR
STAIRCASE
THE LAY-UP THAT WILL GIVE YOU THE
PERFECT FINISH EVERY TIME
SOUTHERN STAIN
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
TRADE PROFILE
LOCATIONS
THE SOUTHERN STAIN DIFFERENCE
CONTACT
SPOTLIGHT
THE FUTURE OF THE STAIN INDUSTRY
Gone are the days of sticky job sites and long dry times / p8
DIY
STEP BY STEP TIPS
Check out the hot tips for your
DIY stain project / p14
TIPS
NAIL YOUR CARE
PROCESS
Learn to care for and enhance
your staircase with tips / p7
FREE QUOTE
CONTACT THE TEAM
Why pay for a quote when
Southern Stain quotes all jobs
FREE / p18
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 2 .

A MESSAGE
FROM
THE EDITOR
Hi, my name is Alex and I am delighted to bring you the only guide in Australia
that is dedicated to the art of timber stair polishing.
Since 2015 the team at Southern Stain have been perfecting the art of polishing and
staining timber staircases for the discerning home owner. We work with leading
residential developers and boutique home builders in metropolitan and regional
Victoria to complete the final touches on one of the key features to any double story
dwelling, the staircase.
The average spend on a new timber staircase in Australia is $15,000.00. The
staircase often connects the family living areas with a place of sanctuary and rest. It is
a place of first steps, a backdrop of photos and a sure way to reach your daily step
count goals at the end of a lazy Sunday.
We understand the importance of protecting and maintaining this asset, which is why
we developed this guide, so that your staircase stays as beautiful as the day you moved
in.
Alex Gay
THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS.
We are proud to work with and support Australian industry leaders.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 3 .

PROFILE
WHAT TRADE POLISHES
TIMBER STAIRCASES?
Builders build homes, plumbers fit pipes
and electricians wire lighting, right? Do
you know the other trades that are
involved in completing a renovation or
building a residential home from the
ground up? Unless you are tradie yourself
or worked as a foreman you may not
realise that there is a specialty trade for
just about every square inch of a home,
from corking the skirting boards to fitting
the internal vacuum system, there is an
expert trade completing the task.
So why would it be any different for
sanding, staining and varnishing a timber
staircase?
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 4 .
We're here to tell you, there's a new trade
in town!
Typically painters or floor polishers will
complete the work on a timber staircase.
And while this has been the case in the
industry for many years the days of jack-of
all-trade has ended. Boutique specialty
trades are now the go to for discerning
home owners.
Hiring a specialist means that they perform
the same job hundreds if not thousands of
times over the course of their careers. It
allows trades to develop and perfect
systems to deliver superior results every
time.
So when you wish to build, refresh or
restore your timber staircase choose a
stair staining professional.
The industry is
changing and as such
we are seeing new
specialty trades
solving consumer
problems.
The days of jackof-all-trade
has
ended. Boutique,
specialty trades
is now the go to
for discerning
home owners.

NEED A TIMBER STAIRCASE POLISHED?
N E E D I T T O B E
FAST
DRYING
LOW
ODOUR
FAMILY
SAFE?
C O N T A C T T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

The 8
Maintenance
Mistakes
CARE GUIDE
Below are the 8 maintenance mistakes that will leave your
timber stairs looking dull and lifeless.
#1 ABRASIVE CLEANING
Avoid using brooms, scourers or anything
with bristles or harsh surfaces when
cleaning your staircase.
We recommend using a soft microfibre
cleaning mop or pad that won't cause any
scratches.
#2 FOOT WEAR
Its always best to avoid wearing any kind of
shoes on a staircase, but if you've ever
forgotten something upstairs just as your
heading out you know this can sometimes be
unavoidable. Shoes that have thin bases or
even flat bases are generally fine.
Avoid wearing heels or shoes with big
grooves in the soul such as work boots as
they can collect dirt and stones which will
scratch your staircase.
#3 CLEANING AGENTS
When cleaning your staircase always avoid
bleach based products. These will damage
the protective layer on your staircase and
cause a dull appearance.
#4
STAINS AND SPILLS
Always check your stairs for any new stains
and clean them up straight away. Don't let
them sit there for too long as they will get
worse and leave a permanent mark..
Too much water can not only damage the
varnish over time but can cause warping to
timber. Avoid being over-zealous with
mopping and if you do need to mop, use as
little water as possible. Steam mops aren't
recommended on timber surfaces.
#5
TOO MUCH WATER
#6
#7
#8
FELT ON FURNITURE
One of the main reasons why scratches
accumulate on timber is from furniture. To
avoid the tell-tale scratch marks, take the
time to felt the bottom of furniture so your
timber is protected. Remember that the felt
will eventually wear off so check the feet of
your furniture every so often.
MOVING HOUSE
Moving house or furniture can cause
significant wear and tear on timber floors or
a polished staircase. We have
seen countless times furniture dragged up
or down a staircase leading to chipping the
edges of the treads, sometimes before
families have even moved in!
Re-coating the edge of a tread is time
consuming and difficult to blend. To avoid
this situation use blankets or apply a rubber
tread protector during the move.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
While avoiding common mistakes will
increase the longevity of your timber floor
or stair case, wear and tear is inevitable. To
keep your floors looking stunning
restoration may be needed, you don't need
to wait for a complete sand back which is
time consuming and expensive.
A yearly maintenance by a professional will
resolve any imperfections and bring back
the shine to your stair case, and is more
affordable than you might think.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 6 .

CARE GUIDE
Top Tips to
Protecting
Your
Timber Stairs
Follow these steps to ensure your timber stairs stand the
test of time
M I C R O F I B R E
C L E A N I N G
A G E N T S
M A I N T E N A N C E
Microfibre gently cleans surface
debris, dust and grim without
scratching or damaging varnish.
You can purchase microfibre
wipes, brooms and mops and we
recommend to use them on
timber floors and staircases.
They won't leave behind fluff and
won't scratch or abrade your
precious timber surfaces.
Wipe up spills, sweep and mop
regularly to prevent sand or dust
causing micro-scratches that
build up over time.
We recommend a water based
formula that removes dirt and
dust and can be used on your
stairs and floors.
Southern Stain stocks a gentle
cleaning agent that is specially
formulated to effectively clean
yet sustain a glossy varnish. You
can pick up a free sample by
heading to
www.southernstain.com.au
With time and general wear and
tear timber surfaces may become
dull and lose the high gloss finish
that once was. If surfaces remain
lacklustre even after cleaning it
may be time to call your local
timber floor professionals.
Surface imperfections and a dull
appearance can easily be fixed
with the right skill and tools.
Regular maintenance will only
take a few hours a year and is
much more affordable than a full
restoration.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 7 .

F E A T U R E
Top 5 Reasons
Why Water
Based is Best
W A T E R B A S E D S T A I N & V A R N I S H V S .
What is the difference between oil based and water
based stain and varnish? It is a common question
that is met with frustration and a misconception -
that oil based stain and varnish is superior.
We are setting the record straight.
So first things first, what is the difference between
water based stain, oil based stain and stain and
varnish?
Both oil based and water based stain work by
absorbing into raw timber like a sponge. Stain
enhances the grain of the timber and provides
colour, warmth and richness.
Water based stain is a mixture of water and
pigment, when it's applied to wood, the water
evaporates, leaving the coloured pigment behind. .
Oil-based stain allows for more workable time
however has considerably longer dry times, has a
strong odour and requires mineral turps to clean
residue.
Stain alone does not protect or add shine to the
timber.
O I L B A S E D S T A I N
That's where water based stain and varnish comes
in to play. Water based stain and varnish adds
colour and a protective film to the timber at the
same time. This means that as the stain absorbs
into the timber so does the varnish. This adds
additional protection without the risks of peeling
off with wear and tear as a stand alone oil varnish
does.
Which lasts longer?
Oil based or water based stain and varnish? While
you may have heard from your uncles mate that
has been a builder for 48 years that oil based stain
lasts longer the truth is that this is an old school
belief that is simply outdated.
In fact, water based stand is more durable and
lasts longer than oil based stain and varnish as it
represents newer technology. Water based stain
will stand the test of time that oil based simply
can't compete with.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 8 .

Which has more colour options?
While oil based stain is known for it's deep, rich
and traditional colour options the technology
advancements of water based stain and varnish
has bought dozens of colour options to the market.
You can be sure to find or match a colour to suit
every timber type, trend and personal preference.
What offers more durability?
Water-based stain varnish is the clear leader in
this area. The thicker film that they leave on the
surface protects the timber from scratches, UV
radiation exposure, and prevents liquids from
soaking in. In comparison, oil-based stain varnish
coatings only leave a thin film on the surface,
making the wood susceptible to the risks
aforementioned.
Think of water based stain and varnish like a broad
spectrum 50+ SPF and an oil based stain is more
like a 30+ SPF sunscreen.
As well as better protection from the heat of UV
exposure, water based stain and varnish offers
better protection against heat like in the case of a
spilled boiling cup of coffee. Whereas hot liquids
on an oil based lacquer will cause immediate discolouration,
water based stain and varnish is
resistant to heat.
What about maintenance?
It is a known fact that oil-based stain and varnish
requires substantial dry times between coats,
sometimes up to two days for re-coating and
several weeks until completely set! This can be an
issue as you may have to pay tradesmen to come
back to the premises several times, as well as
delaying other trades entering. Not to mention the
importance of keeping a pristine environment to
prevent animal hair and dust settling on wet
varnish!
Due to the nature of oil-based stain and varnish
coatings, they require more time and effort to
maintain. Re-coating may be required every 3-6-
12 months, especially in areas with high traffic or
are in direct sunlight, like staircases that are close
to a large window or skylight.
Water-based stain varnishes on the other hand,
require less work, and time, to maintain due to it's
superior protection. For those that prefer a high
shine, mirror finish a 6 to 12 monthly coat of clear
lacquer will have your timber staircases looking as
glossy as the day you moved in. This coat is usually
dry and ready to walk on within a couple of hours
so can be completed before the kids even arrive
home from school.
What is the safest?
Water-based stain and varnish is low odour, easier
to use, safer for the environment and your family.
For instance water-based stain and varnish
requires only water to clean tools and brushes,
whilst oil-based products require mineral
turpentine. Additionally, water-based stain and
varnish leave no residual odours once the product
has dried. In contrast, oil-based stain can leave a
lingering odour for weeks, even months.
It is evident that water-based stain and varnish is
not only easier to use, faster drying and safer, but
represents newer technology, with which oil-based
simply cannot compete.
This is the reason that Southern Stain use only
water-based stain and varnish when sanding and
polishing timber staircases. We strive for
longevity, perfection and safety.
W A T E R B A S E D S T A I N & V A R N I S H V S .
O I L B A S E D S T A I N
At Southern Stain the
manufacturers of our water
based stain and varnish are
guaranteed to last twice as
long as oil based stain and
varnish.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 9 .

THE PROFESSIONALS CHOICE
T H E S O U T H E R N S T A I N S E R V I C E
3 MONTH
GUARANTEE
FAST
TURNAROUND
TIMES
ENVIRO-
CONSCIOUS
PRODUCTS
C A L L F O R A F R E E Q U O T E 0 3 9 0 7 1 1 8 5 4

F E A T U R E
Before You Hire A
Painter, Read This
White specks, exposed nails and rough surfaces leave
customers unhappy and developers out of pocket
The key to a
pristine timber
staircase is careful
preparation and a
perfected layup
system that is
approved by even
the most
discerning home
owner.
S
EVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY, the
number of hours the team at Southern Stain have spent on
staircases over the last two years. The team have
successfully completed staircases in over two hundred and
fifty homes and this number is steadily increasing. Why?
Because home owners and developers are searching for
quality.
Australia has seen substantial growth in new residential
builds over the last several years. Metropolitan areas are
expanding and new estates and towns are being formed
every week. A sea of rooftops can be spotted by many
hilltops throughout the state. Increased rates of
development call for a new level of efficiency and
tradespeople are continually put under pressure to complete
more jobs in a shorter amount of time.
Painters have typically completed the stain and varnish of
timber staircases. The job quote will often include painting
both exterior and interior of the home plus window trims,
doors and inevitably the treads, handrails and balustrades of
the stairwell. While the finish has been acceptable in the
past, new pressures often leave the staircase as the last
project completed prior to settlement. In our experience of
attending job sites the last project to be completed isn't
given the attention that it deserves. This is not to say
painters are not good at what they do,
The requirement for increased
efficiency means that the tools
available to painters are no longer
effective at completing work quickly
and to a very high standard.
So what are the differences between the work of a painter
and a stair staining professional? Let's delve into the key
points of difference.
Site Preparation
Both trades use tape, drop-sheets and other protective
measures to prevent spills and damage to other areas of the
home. When it comes to preparation of timber surfaces stair
staining professionals excel due to their background in floor
sanding and timber floor laying.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 1 2 .

I T ' S A L L I N T H E
P R E P A R A T I O N
It's a case of once you see the difference, it can't be unseen. Hiring
a trade that does any less than this is no longer an option. Only
specialty trades use this grade of commercial equipment, the
others use hand sanding to attempt to remove imperfections.
Hand sanding dry wall paint or silicone
from a timber surface is like trying to
remove burnt food scraps with a tissue.
It's time consuming, frustrating and is
ineffective
The differences don't stop there.
Layup
The team at Southern Stain have perfected the art of stair
polishing with a layup method that results in a smooth, glossy and
beautiful finish. Once the timber canvas has been prepped a first
coat of stain and varnish is carefully applied to the entire stair
case using a selection of commercial and artistic brushes. To read
more about the type of stain and varnish we use go to page ****
The first coat is the most important in achieving a quality finish.
Once the first coat has been applied to every surface it is left to
dry and absorb deep into the grain of the timber.
Before the second coat of stain and varnish is applied a light sand
is performed that smooths the grain and ensures a smooth finish.
Following the second coat a specially designed safety coat is
applied to the top of the treads to provide grip and prevent
In a new staircase, residual silicone, protruding nails, deficits
in-between timber boards and paint splatters are inevitable.
The team at Southern Stain are highly skilled in timber
preparation and restoration and carry the necessary tools to
resolve imperfections in both new and existing timber
staircases.
Some examples include:
Commercial wood working tools to remove glues and
silcones
Manual and electrical tools to remove protruding nails
and screws
Specialty methods to fill and smooth out imperfections in
the natural grain of the timber or deficits between uneven
boards
Perhaps one of the most distinct differences between painters
and the team at Southern Stain is the use of commercial sanding
equipment. Heavy duty industrial grade sanding equipment is
used on every timber surface to remove paint splatter, even out
timber imperfections and leave a silky smooth and flawless
canvas. This step is crucial to ensure stain and varnish is
absorbed evenly.
Issue 27 | 234
slipping. Finally a clear varnish is applied to the entire surface, to
enhance durability and shine.
Commercial Cleaning
The job wouldn't be complete without leaving the site worked in
immaculate. Though many trades may attempt to reduce the
incidence of spills and remove rubbish Southern Stain goes a step
further, cleaning glass balustrades and vacuuming and mopping
surrounding floors is just the standard step upon completion of
each job. We aim to leave the job site cleaner than what we found
it.
Stair and floor polishing is what we do. We don't waste time and
energy attempting to complete the work of other trades. We have
perfected our systems and focus on what we do best. Ultimately,
this is how we complete work in a timely manner all the while to
the highest industry standards.
Are you a home developer that has been hiring painters to complete
timber staircases? Contact Southern Stain today for our introductory
offer on display home staircases so you can see and feel the difference.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 1 3 .

DIY
If you're going
to attempt to do
it yourself, get it
right the first
time
A step by step guide
While we recommend that you hire a
professional when attempting any renovation or
restoration to the timber in your home we
understand that in some circumstances people
want to DIY project. Whether it be the cost of
hiring trades or the innate trades-person role
that you wish to live out this guide will provide
you with a step by step guide that will help you
take the right step forward when staining and
varnishing timber.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 1 4 .

D I Y G U I D E
S T A I N I N G
Before we proceed on how to DIY stain and varnish, let’s
talk about the common staining mistakes that often lead to
staining issues. Understanding the main causes will allow
you to make preventive measures in future.
Poor Sanding and Preparation
If done improperly this can hinder the timber’s ability to
absorb the wood stain. The finish is only as good as the
preparation. Ensure to remove all imperfections before
staining.
Working on a Large Scale Project
If you’re not an expert in sanding, then it’s best to take on
projects on a smaller scale. For the big ones, it’s advisable
to seek help from Timber staining professionals.
Incorrect or Insufficient Stripping
If you are planning on timber restoration not stripping the
timber properly is another cause for poor timber stain
absorption. Be sure to remove any coat present on the
timber’s surface before applying the timber stain.
The Things You’ll Need
While the machinery may differ depending on the size of
the job, having the right tools is going to save you
significant time and energy, and will ensure the best results.
Drop sheet
Masking tape
Vacuum
Hammer/nail punch
Scraper
Timber filler
Dust mask
Orbital or belt sander
Detail Sander
Sandpaper (we recommend 150, 180, 240 grit)
Various sized brushes for stain application
Stain and varnish of colour choice (we recommend water
based products for ease of use)
Clear varnish (select from gloss or satin finish)
Now that you know the common staining mistakes, and
you’ve got all the necessary equipment with you, it’s time to
get down to business.
Step 1. Prepare work area
Tape up any glass, skirting boards, walls or tiles. Vacuum
the work area to prevent stones or dust from scratching the
timber. Use drop sheets to cover surrounding floors or any
furniture, everything is about to get very dusty.
Step 2. Prepare timber
Hole punch any protruding nails or screws. Bog any holes or
cracks with timber filler. We recommend using a timber
filler that matches the colour of the timber rather than the
stain. Sand the surfaces with an orbital or rotary sander
using 150 grit sand paper. On areas that are touched i,e,
handrails use a 180 grit sandpaper. It is best to use a sander
that has a vacpac or attached catchment bag. This reduces
the amount of cleanup and prevents dust from spreading
throughout the house. If there are hard to reach areas use
an multi tool or select a smaller head-peice on the rotary
sander. Always sand in the direction of the grain of the
wood. Sanding cross-ways can leave excessive scratch
marks that will not be hidden by the stain.
If there is stain or paint in very small areas a scraper or pull
back can be used to remove. Vacuum once more to remove
dust particles.
Step 3. First coat
Stir stain and varnish well. Pour into a smaller bucket for
ease of use. Select brush size depending on the area. Decide
on the first surface to coat, work in sections, completing the
entire section before moving on to the next. Start applying
the stain by saturating the brush and applying to the edge
of the timber, it's best to work from left to right or right to
left. If you don't start at the edge you will be left with a line
where stain has dried. Work quickly to coat the entire
surface, once the surface has been coated finish with long
sweeping brushstrokes in the direction of the grain.
Step 4. Second coat
Once the first coat is completely dry (1-2 hours depending
on weather) give each surface a very light hand sand with a
240 grit sand paper. This helps to even out the colour and
take away any rough areas of timber. Once the area is
sanded vacuum all surfaces very well. The second coat of
stain and vanish can now be applied. Use the same method
as step three.
Step 5. Safety
Once the second coat has dried complete mix up a solution
of non-slip powder and clear varnish. Use a roller to lightly
cover the tops of treads, this will help to prevent slipping.
Step 6. Clear
Once the non-slip coating has dried completely use a clean
brush to apply clear coat to all areas. TIP: clear coat has a
tendency to run so it is best to apply very lightly and give a
second if desired. Wait 2-4 hours (depending on weather)
until completely dry to touch before removing tape and
standing on area.
Although applying timber stain can be done by anyone, it’s
still advisable to get a professional to do the task. They
have the experience, the knowledgeable, and have all of the
necessary tools with them so you can sit back and relax
knowing the job is going to be completed to a high standard.
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 1 5 .

Our Locations
METROPOLITAN & REGIONAL VICTORIA
Southern Stain offers a high quality sand and polish to
new and existing staircases in residential and commercial
developments. We use the latest technology in water
based products allowing a faster turnaround time. We
have worked with volume builders, boutique home
developers and home owners in over 250 homes across
metropolitan and regional Victoria.
You can rest assured that your stain and varnish project is
completed in a timely matter and to the highest standard.
P R O J E C T S W E
AREA WE SERVICE INCLUDE:
North Eastern Melbourne
Bayside Peninsula
Goulburn Vallery and surrounds
South Melbourne
Western Melbourne
Inner East Melbourne
Hume Moreland
Outer Eastern Melbourne
Baw Baw Shire
Gippsland and Bass Coast Shire
We have completed staircases in most metropolitan
suburbs of Victoria. If you don't see your location below,
contact us to inquire if we can service your local area.
H A V E C O M P L E T E D
2 9 7 J O B S
& C O U N T I N G !
P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 1 6 .

P O L I S H E D M A G A Z I N E | P G 1 7 .
About Us
THE STAIR STAINING PROFESSIONALS METROPOLITAN & REGIONAL VICTORIA
At Southern Stain We Focus On What We Do Best…
Timber Staircases
Southern Stain offers a high quality sand and polish to
new staircase builds in new residential developments. We
use the latest technology in water based products
allowing a faster turnaround time. Our products offer a
high safety profile and are safe for pets, children and
families.
We also offer stair maintenance to existing staircases that
have been coated with water based products. This service
enhances the longevity and appearance of your staircase
by touching up and re-coating where necessary and
applying a clear top coat to bring back the shine of your
staircase, making it look like new.
The Southern Stain Difference
1
SAFETY
2 3
EXPERT SERVICE
CLEAN UP
Families raise concern over the
safety profile of chemicals and
paints used in their new home.
Many paints and oil based
products contain nasty fumes that
can linger for years to come and
can have an affect on respiratory
conditions.
The water based stains selected by
Southern Stain are very low odour
and are safe for pets and all family
members.
At Southern Stain we use robust
commercial sanding equipment
with inbuilt vacuum systems which
catch the dust before it spreads
through your new home.
Each staircase is carefully
prepared by our professional team
prior to stain and varnish.
Inconsistencies are filled and
sanded to provide a flawless
canvas, we believe preparation is
the key to a stunning finish.
At Southern Stain we treat every
staircase as if it were our own.
Each one of our employees is
trained in the art of the clean up.
On completion of each job we
vacuum and mop so the only
evidence that we were there is a
stunning and completed staircase.
With all the benefits mentioned
it’s no wonder new home
developers are now switching to
Southern Stain.
Be confident that we use the best
products on the market to keep
your family safe.

FOR THE
DISCERNING
HOME
OWNER
CONTACT US
Contact the team today for a free quote.
Email: info@southernstain.com.au
Web: www.southernstain.com.au
Phone: 03 9071 1854
Instagram: @southernstain