Our Historic Stains & Finishes

We call them “historic” for a very good reason. Many of these colors were originally developed by Dale Carlisle when he began working with The National Trust For Historic Preservation.

Over the years, Carlisle has continued to scrutinize and sample countless antique floors across the country in order to produce stains that authentically recreate their colors and patina. Accordingly, we have expanded the color palette we offer so that our current selection encompasses more than 12 options — from antique whitewash to near ebony.

We also offer two different topcoats: Clear and — for those who want a more aged look, Amber. Like our stains, they are made to penetrate deep into the wood fibers, resulting in an amazingly hard and scratch-resistant finish.

Our stains and topcoats contain virtually no VOCs, which can continue to “off-gas” after curing and drastically reduce indoor air quality. If you are planning on finishing your Carlisle floor yourself, using no-VOC mean that there will be no harmful fumes to contend with during application.

For those who want a one-of-a kind finish, our Custom Shop can create any color you like. Maybe you want to match wall paneling or an antique chest, or create a wild ultra-contemporary color scheme. Just send us a sample of what you have in mind.

Staining at the Sample Shop

Staining at the Sample Shop

Stoddard, New Hampshire