You put in a new hardwood floor. Now the stairs, the trim or a few scuffed mouldings stand out, because they're a different colour. You want them to look like they belong with the floor.
That's what a touch-up stain is for. This guide explains what these stains are made to match and how to find the right one. It also explains why you should expect a close match, not a perfect copy.
It's a small can of stain made in the colour of a hardwood floor and its mouldings. Lauzon makes them. Mouldings are the trim pieces that finish the edges of a floor. Each product page says the stain "reflects the predominant color of the hardwood floor" and is made "to match the color of the molding."
The page says you can use it to:
You'll find them in our hardwood stains and finishes category.
Both, in a way. The stain is made to match the moulding colour. The mouldings are made to go with the floor.
Lauzon's own moulding guide says its mouldings are made "to harmonize the color of the hardwood floor," not to copy its look or pattern. In plain words, the trim is made to blend with the floor's colour. It won't copy the grain or the colour changes from one board to the next. Expect the same from your stained stairs and trim: the same colour family, not a twin of every board.
Start with your floor's brand, collection and colour name. You'll find them on the box, your invoice or the product page. Then look for a stain with the matching name.
Here's an example. The Lauzon Expert Essential Café au Lait stain (473 ml) says it "matches maple and yellow birch floors and moldings from the Expert Essential Café au lait collection." So if your floor is a Café au lait floor from that collection, this is the stain to look at.
Other Lauzon stains are named after a colour. Their product pages list the colour tone:
Not sure which stain goes with your floor? Contact us with your floor's name and colour.
The product page says it clearly: "many factors (sanding, raw material, application method, etc.) can influence the final result of your stain." Here's what that means:
So expect a close match, not an exact one.
The Lauzon Expert Essential Café au Lait stain (473 ml) says it covers up to 125 sq ft. The Lauzon stains in this guide come in a 473 ml (16 oz) can. To measure your stairs and trim, our guide on how to calculate square footage can help.
A stair nosing is the rounded or square trim on the edge of a step. Lauzon's moulding guide says it "is used to finish the edge of the hardwood floor where it meets a staircase." The guide says it also limits damage from foot traffic. If your floor runs to the top of a staircase, the nosing gives that edge a finished look.
A touch-up stain is for mouldings, trims, steps and risers. If your whole floor looks tired, read How to Refinish Hardwood Floors. If you're still choosing a floor, see Hardwood or Engineered Flooring.
Can I stain my stairs to match my hardwood floor?
Yes. Lauzon's stain pages say you can use their stains on steps and risers, in the same colour as the mouldings. The mouldings are made to go with the floor.
How do I find the stain that matches my floor?
Look up your floor's brand, collection and colour name, then find the stain with that name. The Lauzon Expert Essential Café au Lait stain (473 ml), for example, names the floor collection it matches. Or contact us.
Will the stain be an exact match to my floor?
Expect a close match. The product page says sanding, the type of wood and how you apply the stain can all change the final result.
Can I use a touch-up stain on my mouldings?
Yes. Touching up mouldings is one of the uses listed on the Lauzon Cork stain (473 ml) page and the other Lauzon stain pages.
How much area does one can of stain cover?
The Lauzon Expert Essential Café au Lait stain (473 ml) says up to 125 sq ft per 473 ml can.
