I am refinishing an approx. 10-year old commercially made, solid cherry dining table. I’ve removed what was, I think, an existing urethane finish and sanded. The various sections of the table are quite different colors, ranging from almost gray to “normal” light pinkish. I was planning on finishing with a tung oil varnish, but now am considering first staining to make the color more uniform and “cherry-like.” I’ve never used stain before, and am nervous about getting it right. I’ve seen articles recommending gel stain for cherry. Any suggestions would be welcome!
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Replies
A gel stain is a fairly easy to use product even for a first timer. It will give a fairly opaque look to the wood.
A better way to even out a color is to use a dye first then follow it with a stain. If you were to do this I would encourage you to read about it first in some of the many finishing books available. I would also encourage you to make sample boards to get a feel for any colorants as well as applying a finish on it.
The commercial table was probably finished in some type of catalyzed lacquer.
Reading first will get you familiar with techniques and terminology as well as offering tips on applications.
The table will be a learning experience too.
Good luck.
Peter
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