Recently finished building a cabinet using birch plywood with maple frames. I stained it using “Old Masters” gel stain, and waited a couple of weeks before applying a finish. When trying to apply finish, it bubbled quite badly, and not just a little bit! I’m aware of all the usual precautions, s/a don’t shake the can, use the proper brush, don’t work it too much, etc. I even went so far as to take a door to the paint store, where they experienced the same thing. I’ve tried Varathane as well as shellac, same results.
I’ve pretty much resigned to using a wipe-on finish, which doesn’t thrill me much.
Anyone have suggestions??
Replies
Well since the cavalry has not arrived yet I will attempt "first aid". I don't have much experience finishing wood all I can say is I read once that if you have a project that is cold and you bring it into a warm environment to finish it e.g., from your vehicle into the warm store, that as the atmosphere in the wood expands it comes out of the pores causing the bubbling.
hope that is all it is
roc
Is this bubbles just in the newly applied finish. which is what it sounds like, or is the new finish causing the stain to bubble up under it?
How are you applying the finish that is giving you problems? Describe more specifically the wood, the particular stain color, and the specifics of the finishes that gave you problems, in particular how you thinned them, and with what.
The Old Masters gel stain is "Early American" and was applies as per directions using a wipe-on-and-off method. Two applications. The bubbles appear instantly, regardless of how slowly or carefully the finish is applied, or by what method. There are many bubbles, not just a few random spots. Tried thinning the Varathane 10-15% as well. Almost looks like sandpaper when applied. I'm thinking it must be a reaction with the stain??
BTW, the stain is on hard maple and birch plywood.
I must say this is something I have never seen. This is a repected brand of stain, that wouldn't be expected to cause problems with oil based varnishes used over it after it has cured a while. And, you say this happened with shellac? That's really amazing--shellac, particularly dewaxed shellac, like Seal Coat ought to stick to just about anything.
While it sat for a couple of weeks, was anything like spray furniture polish, Armorall or spray silicone used anywhere near it?
kreuzie
The cabinet sat in the shop for the whole time, undisturbed. No contaminants anywhere around. I'm really starting to think there's an issue with the Old Masters Gel Stain, although many people have recommended this product.
Wondering if I should wash the whole thing down with a solvent of some sort, and try again? I really don't want to mess up this project at this point.
Thanks to everyone for your support!
Test out any product on scrap if you haven't used it before. Test the finish on a piece of scrap to see if it does the same as over the stain. Try a foam brush to eliminate the possibility of a contaminated brush. Some sandpapers have lubricants on them to prevent clogging, s check this as well.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled