# Wood stain – Wood products > The first layer of protection, which penetrates the wood and sets its tone. URL: https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/prodotti/impregnante The wood cycle · Stage 2 of 4 ## Wood stain The first layer of protection, which penetrates the wood and sets its tone. ### Protecting the wood Wood stain penetrates the fibres and protects the wood from within, against water, sun and temperature swings. It doesn't form a covering film: it works with the wood and leaves the grain visible. It is also the step that gives the base colour. Outdoors it is the heart of the protection: how long the wood stays sound depends on it. **Read more ↓** ### Products for this stage Base Where you use it **Same job, two bases.** For this stage you'll find water-based and solvent-based products: the formulation changes, not the job they do. Choose the base you're most comfortable with. 4 products [water base High protection wood stain Protection for outdoor wood: cladding, fences, sheds. Exteriors Product sheet →](https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/prodotti/linea-acqua/impregnante-alta-protezione-65665) [water base also in Finish Wax-effect stain and finish Impregnates and finishes with a single product, giving a soft waxed look. Exteriors Interiors Product sheet →](https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/prodotti/linea-acqua/impregnante-e-finitura-effetto-cera-65675) [solvent base Seriltop solar filter Wood stain with sun filter and wax effect. Exteriors Product sheet →](https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/prodotti/linea-solvente/seriltop-solar-filter-62609) [solvent base Ecologic wood Product sheet →](https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/prodotti/linea-solvente/ecologic-legno-62620) ### At work How it's applied, in the hands of those who do it every day. ### Mistakes to avoid #### Applying in full sun or with rain on the way The product dries too quickly or is washed off before it can do its job. #### Applying coats that are too heavy The excess doesn't penetrate: it stays on the surface, turns sticky and deteriorates sooner. #### Not respecting the times between coats The times are given in each product's technical data sheet: they must be followed. ### Learn more from the Workshop [Workshop · 4 min Wood impregnating stain: a guide to choosing among the 4 impregnating stains in the Covema range](https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/bottega/impregnante-per-legno-guida-alla-scelta-tra-i-4-impregnanti-della-gamma-covema) [Workshop · 4 min Water-based or solvent-based impregnating stain: differences, coverage and when to choose each](https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/bottega/impregnante-allacqua-o-a-solvente-differenze-resa-e-quando-scegliere) [Workshop · 4 min High Protection impregnating stain: when and how to use it on exterior wood](https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/bottega/impregnante-ad-alta-protezione-quando-e-come-usarlo-per-il-legno-esterno) ### Have a question? Write to our technicians: we'll help you choose the right product and cycle for your wood. [Technical support →](https://legno.covemavernici.com/en/contatti)[Write to us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/393357105630)