Carpentry and Woodworking - Staining evenly for sort woods
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Staining evenly for sort woods
mike-the-diy'er
08-15-01, 09:38 AM
I am about ready to stain some woodwork for my basement remodel project and I have a few stain questions. I have previously done a fair amount of staining on hardwoods, Oak in particular, but for this one it is all the softer woods.
I have some southern pine for a few boards, hemlock for stair newels & handrail, and whatever (I think pine but not sure) Home Depot normally has for base & door trim. Did'nt go with Oak or other woods down there because of cost and I wanted to match upstairs trim. I am of course worried about the different woods staining differently, but also the soft wooods staining splotchy (spelling ?). Is their some kind of wood conditioner that will help with staining the wood evenly? Also, if so, do I need a special stain to go with it?
On a related issue, the finish I have used in the past was Minwax (same for stain for that matter) but have some times been disappointed with the results. I have used both their water based and oil based poly's. After speaking with another woodworker / tradesman he said it appeared most of my problems were due to the poly drying too fast. The product he uses they add something in order to slow down the drying time, thus allowing it to even out better. However you have to buy his stuff by the gallon, and I of course would take 5 - 10 years to use up a gallon. Any suggestions / products that work for you would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Mike
I have some southern pine for a few boards, hemlock for stair newels & handrail, and whatever (I think pine but not sure) Home Depot normally has for base & door trim. Did'nt go with Oak or other woods down there because of cost and I wanted to match upstairs trim. I am of course worried about the different woods staining differently, but also the soft wooods staining splotchy (spelling ?). Is their some kind of wood conditioner that will help with staining the wood evenly? Also, if so, do I need a special stain to go with it?
On a related issue, the finish I have used in the past was Minwax (same for stain for that matter) but have some times been disappointed with the results. I have used both their water based and oil based poly's. After speaking with another woodworker / tradesman he said it appeared most of my problems were due to the poly drying too fast. The product he uses they add something in order to slow down the drying time, thus allowing it to even out better. However you have to buy his stuff by the gallon, and I of course would take 5 - 10 years to use up a gallon. Any suggestions / products that work for you would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Mike
fewalt
08-15-01, 10:48 AM
Mike,
Minwax makes a Pre-Stain Wood onditioner - "Helps soft wood absorb stain evenly". I have used it with adequate results.
It is especially god for pine.
You can keep your oil-based poly from drying out too quick simply by adding 20 to 50 percent mineral spirits. At 50 percent, you can just about wipe it on as opposed to brushing. Only drawback is it may take a third coat. But it's still quicker than brushing. Sand very lightly and tack between coats.
fred
Minwax makes a Pre-Stain Wood onditioner - "Helps soft wood absorb stain evenly". I have used it with adequate results.
It is especially god for pine.
You can keep your oil-based poly from drying out too quick simply by adding 20 to 50 percent mineral spirits. At 50 percent, you can just about wipe it on as opposed to brushing. Only drawback is it may take a third coat. But it's still quicker than brushing. Sand very lightly and tack between coats.
fred