Non-toxic, interior water-based wood stain

LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE: Clear, Walnut, Warm Oak, once we sell out, it's gone!

AFM Safecoat DuroTone is a fast-curing low odor semi-transparent interior wood stain using no aromatic solvents, formaldehyde, UV inhibitors or hazardous air pollutants. It penetrates deeply into the wood and has excellent pigmentation stability creating a more uniform finish.

It is ideal for flooring, furniture, doors, millwork, window and door trim and all unsealed interior wood surfaces.

NOTE1: New or freshly sanded wood will absorb stain very quickly. To avoid lap marks, we recommend lightly misting or wiping the floor first with damp rag so that the stain dries more slowly absorbs more evenly.

NOTE2: Actual product colors may vary from colors shown on your monitor, and application color will be affected by the wood you are placing the stain upon (the photos show the stain on Poplar). Colors can be verified by ordering the small pint size from our Site.

AFM Durotone is different from AFM DuroStain or other water-based stains because it has a little bit longer open time which makes it easier to apply on large surfaces such as flooring. It also uses non-toxic dye and pigmentation with no acrylic. Finally, DuroTone accepts water finish coats such as AFM Polyureseal BP, AFM Acrylacq, AFM WaterShield, for maximum longevity. Please follow application instructions, and be sure the Durotone has dried completely before applying your finish coat.

Tips for Staining Pine and Other Softwoods

Problem: Stain looks blotchy and does not absorb evenly.

Cause #1: Mill glaze (new pine) that feels and looks smooth but is difficult for stains to penetrate.

Cause #2: Dirty or cleaned with a solution that is high or low pH.

Cause #3: Previous stains have worn off in high traffic areas but not others.

Cause #4: Sanding with one grit of sandpaper and a different grit somewhere else.

Solution: Lightly sand with 100-150 grit evenly to remove the glaze or stains and open the pores.

Problem: Pressure Treated Pine will not take stain

Cause #1: Pressure treatments are still fresh which prevents stains from penetration or adhering to the wood.

Solution: Allow pine 6 months to one year to weather or season with nothing on them before attempting to stain or paint.

Problem: Previous stain or paint is peeling/flaking off

Cause #1: Surface was not primed properly

Cause #2 : The surface paint or stain was applied to was dirty.

Cause #3: The underside/backside of the wood was not sealed and moisture migrates up through the surface.

Solution: Always clean, sand and prime new wood before painting and seal the backside if possible.

Problem: Stain is wearing off or fading too quickly.

Cause #1: Clear coatings lack UV protection and gray in 1-2 years.

Cause #2: Pigmented stains were not applied heavy enough or with the correct number of coats.

Cause #3: Stain is in direct Southern sun all day with no protection or has excessive moisture on it.

Solution: Pigmented stains work best if applied over freshly sanded wood. They will hold up longer if maintained every few years rather than allowing them to grey out. Northern and Eastern exposures require less maintenance but all colors will eventually fade.

Problem: Lap marks, steaking and variations in color

Cause #1 Water-based stains dry super fast making it hard to keep a wet edge.

Cause #2 Uneven sanding will allow more pigment to absorb in rougher grain.

Solution: Lightly mist or wipe down the surface of the wood with damp rag before staining to help even out the stain and slow down the dry time.

Solution: Finish off with the same grit sandpaper evenly throughout the project.

Solution: Do not exceed 120-150 grit or it will close the pores.

This item description was written by Joel Hirshberg