The look and beauty of wood compliments all kinds of home-decorating schemes, whether traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in-between. Wood elements are one of the top three features most requested by today's home owners and buyers. So the only question remaining is ... how do you best capture and express the warm, rich look of wood?

In keeping with the newest consumer-driven trends, the folks at the Sherwin-Williams Company have developed a series of new products that are perfect for the do-it-yourselfer or the remodeling/new home professional that are quick and easy to use. The new Wood Classics™ System of interior stains, sealers, and varnishes can give cabinets, floors, doors, and moldings a unique beauty, and in just one day's time.

Speed of application and smooth results are the hallmarks of Wood Classics. Conventional stains require approximately 18 to 24 hours of drying time, but the new Wood Classics Stain line can be re-coated in two hours, allowing you to apply stain and two topcoats all in one day for a high-quality finish. The thick formula and smooth application is designed to produce a rich, uniform appearance. Wood Classics can also be used to create a wood grain look on metal and hardboard-skinned, hollow-core doors, enhancing their value and appearance.

The new line contains more than 40 shades to choose from, to match existing wood tones or create a whole new look. Auxiliary products include a Sanding Sealer, Fast Dry Oil Varnish, and a Polyurethane Varnish. Applied after the stain, the Wood Classics Sanding Sealer provides a smooth, furniture-like finish; it sands quickly in one hour, forgives application inconsistencies, and builds quickly. Available in satin or gloss finish, Fast Dry Oil Varnish showcases the texture of the wood and adds a slight amber tone for a warm, traditional appearance. Drying to the touch in just 15 minutes, the varnish is ready to re-coat in four hours. The Polyurethane Varnish is ideal for high-use areas such as floors, tabletops, and corridors to resist abrasion, spills, and moisture. Scuff Sand and re-coat after only four hours.

All set! But wait a minute. What if you love the look of stained wood but long for a splash of color? You can have it both ways with Fun Stains, the newest member of the Wood Classics line of products. With shades like Paprika, Aquarius, and Candied Violet, Fun Stains break all the rules. Fun Stains are available in eight hues, four bright and fresh hues for that contemporary twist and four traditional tones. Use your imagination on cabinetry, flooring, and crown moldings to capture your decorating creativity through the brilliant use of color.

To make selection easy, Wood Stains are available at any of the nation's 2,200 Sherwin Williams retail stores. Samples are available of oak, pine, and birch to help you choose. In stores, you will also find quality paint, wall coverings and all the do-it-yourself accessories necessary to make your project successful. If you have any questions, ask the Sherwin Williams professional for help.

Published: June 5, 1998

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Blanche is a renowned author of five real estate books. Her newest, Bubbles, Booms and Busts: Make Money In Any Real Estate Market, McGraw-Hill, was rave-reviewed by The New York Times. She was also selected from hundreds of real estate experts to contribute to Donald Trump's book, Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies, Rutledge Hill Press, and is featured on page 68. Order Now Review - Honors In 2006, Blanche was selected among scores of candidates to author two consumer real estate guidebooks for the National Association of Realtors: The NAR Guide to Home Buying, and The NAR Guide to Home Selling, Wiley & Sons. She is currently planning two new books for the NAR and its members.       Known for her keen insight into real estate industry issues and for her ability to make complex subjects easy to understand, Blanche is a sought-after keynote and continuing education speaker. Real estate organizations from MLSs, to brokerages, to franchisors, to associations hire her to provide up-to-the-minute analysis of real estate industry news and advice on how to improve revenues. Her passionate delivery, peppered with stinging wit, is a huge hit with audiences and fans. Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Blanche Evans, Richard Courtney, president 2007, GRAR "The GNAR membership meeting last week featured Blanche Evans as the keynote speaker. Her comments and insights resonated extremely well with those in attendance and we have had many requests for copies of her PowerPoint Presentation. She was a terrific part of the membership meeting and convention program!" - Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Coverage from WSMV, Nashville - 8-14-2007 That Interview Guy - Get Inside The Head Of Today's Generation 2007 AE Institute Session - To purchase 2006 AE Institute Session - Parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 HouseValues Mastermind call - Parts 1 2 Blanche's fireside chat with Jeremy Conaway, HAR - Click here. For more articles by Blanche, click here.