Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Staining: Different Color 2nd Coat

Here's the problem. I used Minwax English Chestnut to stain some trim (pine) and after the first coat, I'm not sure if I'm happy with the results. The color is darker and slightly dull compared to what I was expecting. I've only put one coat on, so maybe I'm jumping the gun and after a second coat has been done and polyurethane applied it will look good. I'm curious though, if I pick up a different color of stain and apply it (1 - 2 coats) obviously the results won't be the same as they would be if the wood had not been stained once, but is it OK to do this? Thanks.

Here's what I used:
http://minwax.com/images/Swatches/Stain/engchesnut.jpg

I was hoping to try cherry to lighten it up some:
http://minwax.com/Images/Swatches/Stain/cherry.jpg


-Jeremy

If the color is too dark, you're going to have to strip it and start over. Once stained, wood tends not to take stain again as the first coat seals the wood. If you get results that are too light, you can darken with tinted polyurethane.

I agree :) Wood hardly ever takes a second coat of stain. It is dull only because poly/varnish hasn't been applied yet. If it is too dark the only way to lighten is as J.M.C. said - use a stripper. I have had many customers that were initially disapointed with the stain they picked but once varnish was applied they were happy.

Thanks for the suggestions. I went ahead and added a second coat and oddly enough, it came out with a more reddish tint to it than the dull/brownish tint it had with 1 coat. I'll be applying the poly tonight.

Have to agree with the two comments above. You might want to try a coat of poly on a small piece to see what the 'final' result will be.

If that's not suitable, then it's time to strip and start over.

I went ahead and added a second coat I'll be applying the poly tonight.

Make sure the second coat of stain is dry. Often when too much stain is applied it won't dry properly. When you brush poly over it, sometimes it loosens up the stain and if your'e not carefull you can wind up with a mess. Wish you luck :)

Thanks! Checked it this morning before heading off and some spots were noticeably still a bit wet so - I may wait until tomorrow to do the poly.