I did already post this in the main FINISHING forum, but I wanted to make sure that I also “Asked the Experts” about this…
Basically, I have spent a huge amount of time creating a nice blanket chest, only to possibly have ruined it by my horrible staining technique. I had sanded the piece to 220 grit, removed all the dust, applied a pre-stain wood conditioner, waiting 15 minutes, wiped it off, and then applied a penetrating wood stain (MinWax Red Oak #215). After waiting the prescribed time and wiping it off, the color was VERY, VERY uneven all over the piece. In some areas, it looks as if I sealed some of the grain due to glue-seepage during the assembly. In frustration, I applied more stain and instead of wiping it off, I allowed it to sit overnight. Now the piece is sticky in some places, and the color is still uneven in spots.
Is this hopeless or can I just run some mineral spirits over it removing most of the pigment, re-sand, and re-stain?
Oh, BTW: The project was made using pine.
Replies
kgeorge,
Concerning your staining technique, did you try it out on some scraps or did you use the chest as the test bed? I think I already know the answer to that one. Don't worry, you're not the first or last to do it.
Pine can be maddening to color with oil satins no matter how careful you are. When I'm working with pine I prefer to get a base color with a water dye, seal it and then glaze to add or just accent the color.
You can try wiping it with mineral spirits but a better option is to bite the bullet and strip it. At least you can re sand and start fresh again.
Once you have it stripped and BEFORE YOU START ON IT AGAIN, take the time to make a couple of samples. Rest assured this will take you more time than you think(although far less time than stripping the chest) You may not like the first samples you make either.
The best way to create good samples is to educate yourself. There are a variety of good finishing books out there. Look in your library. Read first then try the steps.
You will also find useful information on stripping in them.
Good luck and let me know how you do.
Peter
Hey Peter,To my embarrassment, you are correct...I didn't test on scraps first.I am starting to strip the chest now (not a easy process as the stripper only removes a little of the stain at a time), will sand it down, and start again.One question though: what is a good sealer? I have (since the fowl-up) read that I can use sanding sealer or shellac, but I don't know which one will allow me to add a poly top-coat over it once I am done. Any suggestions?Lesson learned: Always test on scrap BEFORE you finish the project.Thanks again.
Edited 6/29/2007 10:37 am ET by kgeorge
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