Professional reactive color system
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TINTE REACTIVO

Professional reactive color system

Reactive Wood Stain

$316.87

Authentic color from within the wood

Creates aged depth by reacting with natural tannins—without masking the grain under a flat pigment layer.

  • 19 reactive colors
  • Tannin-powered depth
  • Waterborne

Results vary by wood species and board. For a first project, test the 100 ml size on the exact wood you will finish.

TORCHED 8056 NT
Selected color TORCHED 8056 NT White Oak · representative result
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Product essentials & how to use

Reactive Stain es un tinte reactivo envejecedor basado en colorantes naturales y reactivos. Reactive Stain está especialmente indicado para maderas envejecidas que contienen ácido tánico. Tras el tiempo de reacción, debe aplicarse inmediatamente un acabado al Reactive Stain con aceite o barniz.

—

» Reacciona con los taninos de la madera y le da un acabado único.

» Posibilidades ilimitadas en combinación con aceites con color.

» La intensidad del color puede ajustarse fácilmente con Reactive Stain Clear.

PREPARACIÓN

Asegúrese de eliminar completamente cualquier capa de acabado antigua y de que el suelo esté libre de polvo y otra suciedad. Puede usarse en madera lijada y cepillada. Prehumedecer la madera reduce el riesgo de solapamiento.

APLICACIÓN

Remover y agitar bien antes de usar. Aplique una cantidad abundante de Reactive Stain en la dirección del grano de la madera, e iguale la superficie a continuación. Reactive Stain puede aplicarse con una brocha o espray, e igualarse posteriormente con una brocha o mopa.

Iguale la superficie con un disco con cepillo pasado el tiempo de reacción. A continuación, deberá eliminarse todo rastro de polvo de la superficie, tras lo cual puede dar un acabado a Reactive Stain con un aceite o barniz de la gama Ciranova®. Para información acerca del uso de barnices, contacte con el servicio técnico de Ciranova®.

SUGERENCIAS

TEST BEFORE YOU COMMIT

See the finish on your wood.

Wood species, sanding, and light change every result. Test the color and sheen on your exact board before committing to the full project.

Explore samples Ask a finish specialist
  • 01Your wood
  • 02Your lighting
  • 03Expert guidance

COMPLETE THE SYSTEM

From test board to protected finish.

Build color deliberately, then select the protection and maintenance system that preserves it.

01TestConfirm on your woodSamples 02ColorTINTE REACTIVOSelected product 03ProtectChoose oil or varnishProtection systems 04MaintainPreserve the resultCare products

Professional wood finishing

Specify the whole system.

The final result depends on the wood, preparation, application, and compatible finishing system. Remove uncertainty before the full project.

Order a sample Calculate coverage
  1. 01

    Test the actual wood

    Species, tannin content, grain, and sanding can materially change color and absorption.

  2. 02

    Calculate the system

    Confirm coverage, number of coats, hardener ratio, tools, and site conditions before ordering.

  3. 03

    Follow technical data

    Use the current preparation, application, drying, and maintenance instructions for the selected product.

Technical selection support Current product documentation Human guidance in the USA

THE COLOR DECISION

Choose the reaction, not just the color.

Reactive color is shaped by the wood beneath it. Begin with the atmosphere you want, then test that direction on the exact species and preparation planned for the project.

01

Start with intent

What should the wood feel like?

A

Quiet and natural

Restrained shifts that preserve a light, calm reading of the grain.

B

Weathered and architectural

Layered grey-brown character with an established, material presence.

C

Deep and dramatic

Stronger reactions for tonal depth, contrast and a more expressive surface.

02

Choose commitment

Test first. Scale second.

Your current decision Choose an option to begin.
Explore sample guidance
Species-responsive color Grain remains visually active 100ml sample available

WHY REACTIVE COLOR LOOKS DIFFERENT

Not Color on Wood. Color Created Within It.

Reactive Stain works with natural tannins instead of masking the grain under a flat layer of pigment. The result is nuanced, dimensional and unique to the exact wood beneath it.

Oak before Ciranova Reactive Stain Before · Prepared oak
Oak after Ciranova Reactive Stain After · Reactive depth

The Ciranova system

One result. Three considered steps.

01

Prepare

Create an even, receptive surface so every board develops consistently.

Application guidance
02

React

Let tannins and chemistry create color from within the natural grain.

Choose your color
03

Protect

Complete the system with an oil or invisible finish selected for the project.

Explore protection
Ciranova curated liquid sample set

YOUR WOOD IS THE FINAL VARIABLE

Test the Reaction Before the Project.

ORDER A SAMPLE SET

Reactive Stain application guide

Two-stage finishing system

Reactive Stain creates the color; a compatible topcoat provides the protection. Follow these steps in order for a controlled, repeatable result.

Preparation

Make sure that all old finish coats are completely removed and that the wood is free from dust and other dirt. Can be used on sanded, planed, and brushed wood. Pre-wetting the wood can reduce the risk of overlapping.

Application

Stir and shake well before and during use. Apply evenly reactive stain in the direction of the wood fiber, even out afterward. Reactive stain can be applied using a brush or spray gun and subsequently smoothened with a brush or mop.

Reactive stain can “pop” the grain so it is suggested that you smoothen the surface after the full reaction time with a buffing pad. Afterward, the surface should be made dust free, prior to finishing with an oil or waterborne finish from the Ciranova® product line. Please contact Ciranova® Technical Support for information about using a waterborne finish.

Protect

Complete the color system with a compatible protective finish selected for the substrate and intended use. Follow the current Technical Data Sheet for the selected finish.

Maintain

Maintain the completed surface with products and intervals appropriate to the final protective finish. Follow the maintenance guidance for the system used.

Reactive Stain Gallery

Explore real outcomes by wood species, reactive color, and topcoat system.

TINTE REACTIVO finished wood project
from our journal

How Reactive Stains Work (and Why Wood Species Matters)

Reactive stains are not “regular stains.” Instead of simply coloring the wood by depositing pigment, reactive stains create color through a chemical reaction with what’s already inside the wood. That’s why they can look exceptionally natural and “in the grain,” and also why thesame stain can look different on different woods—and even on different boards of the same species.

Read more
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Unmatched depth and character

No flat tones. No muddy overlays. Just real aging effects and complex undertones.

Learn More

Key Features and Benefits

Natural Reaction for Authentic Aging

Reacts with wood tannins to produce unique, non-uniform colors that enhance grain patterns—perfect for rustic, antique, or modern distressed styles.

Customizable Intensity

Blend with Reactive Stain Clear to dilute and control depth, allowing for personalized shades on any project.

Versatile Application

Works best on oak but is suitable for other hardwoods; test on samples for optimal results on softer woods like pine.
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One Stain. Endless Outcomes.

Reactive Stain is only the beginning.

In this demo, we applied Reactive Stain Ash Grey to oak and allowed the chemical reaction to fully develop over 6 hours. The wood responded naturally — creating depth, movement, and tonal variation that pigment alone cannot achieve.

Then we changed only one variable: the topcoat.

We divided the same stained boards into four sections and applied four different Hardwax Oil colors.

Same wood. Same stain. Completely different outcomes.

FAQs

What are Ciranova Reactive Stains?

Ciranova Reactive Stains are tannin-reactive stains that create color by chemically reacting with the natural tannins in wood, rather than simply depositing pigment like a conventional stain. This reaction helps produce nuanced, “in-the-wood” tones and depth.

How are reactive stains different from traditional stains?

Traditional stains mainly rely on pigments/dyes soaking into the wood. Reactive stains transform the wood’s chemistry, so the final look depends more on the wood species, tannin content, and surface prep. This is why reactive stains can look especially natural—but also more variable.

Will the color be identical on every wood species?

No. Because the stain reacts with tannins, species-to-species variation is normal. Even within the same species, boards can vary due to tannin levels, grain density, and mineral content. The pictures posted here were applied on european white oak.

Do knots, sapwood, filler, or glue lines stain differently?

Yes. Knots, sapwood, fillers, and glue areas can react and absorb differently, creating contrast. This is normal—and why testing on “real-world” boards matters.

How do I apply Ciranova Reactive Stain?

Most users apply with a professional stain applicator, pad, brush, or microfiber method suited to the job size—then work it evenly to avoid overlaps. Always follow the product’s technical directions for your specific reactive stain.

How do I avoid lap marks and overlaps?

Work in manageable sections.
Keep a wet edge.

Apply consistently (same tool, same pressure, same pace).

Avoid stopping mid-board or mid-field when possible.

Maintain consistent lighting so you can see wet edges.

Didn’t find your answer?

Contact our technical team for product, application or order guidance.