A friend wanted a real dark finish on an oak frame. Java or even darker. I used an ebony water based dye to get the wood very dark then went over that with deep ebony stain by Olympic. Using only one coat of each and wiping down the stain I let the frame set inside for over a week. When I handled it, it seemed very dry to me. I used no topcoat on the frame because he didn’t want any shine on it. He was putting in his painting and just e-mailed me to say the stain wasn’t dry yet and he had gotten some on his carpet and on his hands. Help!
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Pigment stains require an overcoat to fully adhere the pigment particles to the substrate. There is only a very small amount of resin in the stain to sort of temporarily hold the pigments to the wood. Any abrasion will tend to wipe it off.
Put a coat of clear finish on the items and you will be fine.
What clear finish would you recommend that will leave no sheen. The guy wants a dull finish. Also will this over time cure so nothing can rub off the frame any longer. After visiting Olympic's web site they say that a topcoat is not necessary.
tony
Edited 11/1/2009 3:25 pm ET by tonyrays
>> After visiting Olympic's web site they say that a topcoat is not necessary.Exactly which of the Olympic stains did you use?I see no application instructions on their web site.Last time I wanted a non-gloss finish, I used a matte finish spray lacquer. Spray it on lightly. You don't need much in the way of protection for a picture frame. Of course, test it out on some scrap to be sure it does what you want it to do.Howie.........
Edited 11/2/2009 12:34 pm ET by HowardAcheson
this is the questions and tips answers section of the Olympic interior stain.
Q: Is a topcoat/clearcoat necessary?
A: The details of the specific project will largely determine whether a topcoat/clearcoat is needed.
For picture frames, ceilings and other wood projects that will not be in direct contact with people or objects, Olympic Interior Oil Based Wood Stain will provide the protection required.
For furniture, cabinets, doors and floors, a topcoat of Olympic Premium Water or Oil Based Polyurethane should be applied to enhance and protect the wood surface.
http://www.olympic.com/stain_products/questions_and_tips/index.htm
nothing is said about the fact that it may not dry. The guy I have made the frame wants to just hang it up and let it cure over the next year or so anyway. I don't think he will have a problem after that.
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