Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Dec 18, 2008 06:34am | #1

   I would suggest you finished sanding with 180 grit. Those scratches you see from the 120 will be magnified after you stain if they are left behind.

   Peter

1. 
   sflood75 | Dec 18, 2008 06:55am | #2

   Thanks Peter. I'm sure you can tell I've had limited experience with finishing. Up until now it's been brush on Minwax and HVLP spraying poly. I followed manufacturers instructions and sanded to 150. Used a minwax wood conditioner and stained with General Finishes gel stain. I'm on the second coat of my sample piece and there is still significant blotchiness. I've read your posts and I see you are a big fan of dyes. Would this be an option for my project and could you recommend any literature on the subject (or give me any tips). Is there a better method for a relative novice of finishing. I've read that gel stains are fool proof. What does that make me. I'm looking for rich, deep, reddish brown mahogany color. Can you also recommend a filler to use on small gaps in the miters. Should filler be applied before or after staining? It's a large hard maple mirror frame (66" x 36") to be hung in my living room and a crappy finish will ruin all my hard work. Thank you for any insight.Edited 12/17/2008 10:58 pm ET by sflood75Edited 12/17/2008 11:08 pm ET by sflood75

   Edited 12/18/2008 10:59 am ET by sflood75