Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Mar 07, 2004 04:17am | #1

   Before I bought a cheap spray gun, I used the foam type rollers to apply stains. I'd do just as you said, roll the stain on, and then wipe it with towels. I also used the same type of roller to apply polyurethane, which I then brushed out.

   Rob Millard

1. 
   tommy2 | Mar 07, 2004 03:33pm | #2

   thankyou for the support can't afford the sprayer yet but its on the list. now to find the rollers and this monster will be done. thank you again.

1. 
   RMillard | Mar 07, 2004 10:06pm | #4

   Tommy

   I should have told you that this is a messy process, at least it was with the Minwax stain I used. Also, it is essential to start at the bottom and work upwards. You don't want stain running or dripping onto raw wood, as this can leave a telltale mark in the finished product. The kind of rollers I used were the foam type that are a dark gray color. I've also used the flat paint pads to put on dyes and stains, they aren?t as fast as a roller, but they are a little less messy.

   Rob Millard

2. 
   Kevin | Mar 07, 2004 07:21pm | #3

   Yes, I have applied gel stain with a roller. On very large pieces it is much, much faster and is easier too, particularly in warm weather where the stain is drying too fast. I just used a regular roller pad just like you described. I've also used the same approach with water-based wipe stains when I didn't want to bother with the hassle of gun clean up. With regular solvent and oil based wipe stains I prefer to spray it on large pieces. But, gel stain doesn't spray real well. LOL

   If you roll it on, keep a cheap paint brush handy for working the stain into corners. Just like with rolling paint, the roller will only work real well on the wide flat surfaces.

   The Independent Voter.com

   "Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud" - Sophocles.

3. 
   weasel | Mar 07, 2004 11:27pm | #5

   I use small 4 inch rollers to apply stain and wipe it off with rags.  The smaller rollers I use have rounded, foam ends and are quite good at getting into corners, but a brush nearby is essential as already suggested. 

   I also use these rollers for varnishing as they allow me to coat a larger area quite quickly.  With the varnish though, I always brush out each section (with the grain) immediately after it is rolled to remove any lines, runs and puddles left by the roller.  This also removes any bubbles which foam rollers tend to leave behind. 

   I store the dirty varnish rollers in plastic bags between coats if I am going to re-use them for the second coat the same day and I always use a new roller for the final coat to avoid spreading garbage that may have been picked up in earlier coats.  These rollers are cheap and it is not worth the time and trouble to get them clean enough for re-use.

1. 
   tommy2 | Mar 09, 2004 08:58pm | #6

   thanks for all your support. the weather is do to warm this weekend will try the system thanks again