The warmth and character of wood enhances your home and garden. But did you know it's possible to protect the timber without using wood stains containing harsh solvents and synthetic additives?
Our top selling water based wood stain, Auro 560, offers a cleaner and more natural approach. Using plant based ingredients and family friendly water based technology, it enhances and protects wood whilst allowing the surface to breathe. This prevents trapped moisture which can cause rot and reduce the lifespan of the wood.
Let's take a look at how you can use an eco wood stain without compromising on performance or damaging the environment.
Why Choose Water Based Wood Stain
Water based stains replace petrochemical solvents with water, making them far safer for your home and the planet. Conventional solvent stains emit high levels of VOCs that can cause irritation and poor indoor air quality.
Auro 560 delivers the same rich finish without those drawbacks. It's fully compliant with French VOC A+ and AgBB standards and contains virtually no odour. The finish dries quickly, tools wash clean in water, and there's no heavy chemical smell left behind. This makes it ideal for use in babies and kids rooms and in vegetable gardens.
Eco Friendly and Non Toxic Formula
Auro 560 is designed with both performance and purity in mind. Its formula uses:
- Water as the main carrier.
- Plant based resins for flexibility and durability.
- Mineral pigments for natural colour.
- Rapeseed and castor oil surfactants for smooth application.
It's tested to EN 71-3 (toy safety) and DIN 53160 (saliva and sweat resistance), making it suitable for toys and children's furniture. It's biodegradable, vegan, plastic free and solvent free, containing only trace MI preservative as legally required in the EU.
Natural Wood Stain Colours
Auro 560 is suitable for both interior and exterior woodwork, offering flexibility for a wide range of projects. Indoors, use it on doors, furniture, window frames and panelling. Outdoors, it's perfect for fences, cladding, garden benches and sheds.
Its breathable, micro porous finish prevents peeling and cracking while still protecting against UV and moisture. The stain is not recommended for floors or timber in direct ground contact.
Where Can Eco Friendly Wood Stain be Used?
Water based, low VOC wood stains like Auro 560 are incredibly versatile. They're suitable for most interior and exterior wood projects, including furniture, shelving, doors, panelling, fences, sheds and cladding.
Because they're breathable, they allow timber to release moisture naturally, preventing the blistering and cracking often seen with synthetic varnishes.
Benefits of Breathable Wood Finish
Outdoors, a breathable wood finish helps timber cope with changing humidity and temperature, protecting against UV and rain while reducing long term maintenance.
Indoors, it keeps air quality cleaner and avoids the lingering odour associated with solvent heavy wood stains.
What Performance and Protection Can Natural Stains Offer?
A good eco wood stain should balance durability with breathability. Water based stains achieve this by forming a flexible film that resists UV damage and moisture without sealing the wood too tightly. That means less flaking and easier re-coating over time.
Typical features of a quality natural wood stain:
- Coverage: around 12 – 15 m² per litre per coat
- Drying time: touch dry in 2 hours, recoatable in 6
- Finish: satin to semi gloss depending on colour and number of coats
- VOC content: less than 1 g/L (EU limit 130 g/L)
Routine light cleaning and an occasional maintenance coat will keep surfaces looking fresh for years while preserving the wood's natural texture.
How to Apply Water Based Wood Stain
Start by cleaning the surface and lightly sanding to remove dust and old residues. Stir the product well, then apply evenly in the direction of the grain using a brush or roller.
For most projects, two coats provide full coverage and protection. A third coat can be added for clear finishes or exposed outdoor surfaces. If you prefer a slightly thinner first coat, add up to 5% water to improve flow. Always allow each layer to dry thoroughly and avoid applying in direct sun or damp conditions.
Tools rinse clean with water or we recommend Auro Plant Soap 411, no need for harsh thinners or solvents.
What Wood Stain is Safe for Babies, Children and Pets?
Low odour, VOC free finishes make a real difference to indoor comfort and air quality. Look for credentials such as AgBB and French VOC A+ standards. These are a safe choice for nurseries, bedrooms and pet areas.
Because they're tested to EN 71-3 (toy safety) and DIN 53160 (saliva and sweat resistance), non toxic wood stains can even be used on cots, toys and furniture. Once dry, the surface is free from off gassing and chemical smell, ideal for sensitive homes.
The Natural Choice for Healthy Wood
Choosing an eco wood stain isn't just about the finish. Water based, low-VOC stains give you long lasting protection, cleaner indoor air and zero compromise on quality.
Explore our whole natural wood finish range, request a free wood stain colour chart, or order a tester pot to find the shade that suits your space best.
