Samples on Your Own Wood
Compare stain on more than one representative board when grain, prior repairs or wood species vary.
Compare stain on more than one representative board when grain, prior repairs or wood species vary.
Ask how the sanding grit and test preparation will be repeated before the chosen stain is applied.
Review a dry trial for color differences or lap marks before deciding how to treat the whole room.
Keep the approved color sample, written labor terms and instructions for caring for the protective topcoat.



In a Sundown room with shaded windows, try the stain beneath the actual lamps as well as in daylight before choosing a tone.
Compare stain against the Sundown room’s retained trim before approving the darker sample.