Replies

1. 
   Beckum | Jul 01, 2009 05:48pm | #1

   I've had the same sort of thing happen and let it just add to the character of the piece. But that's just me.

   I'm no stain expert, but there are a bunch of them on here. Might I suggest adding some pics of the tread so as to give them a better idea of what happened. They are also going to want to know what type of stain you used, oil or water base. The more information you give these folks to work from, the better they will be able to help you out.

   Best of luck,
   Bill

1. 
   johnjingles | Jul 01, 2009 08:41pm | #2

   Here is a picture of the spot or stain I was talking about in the OP.The stain is Old Masters 240 VAC Formula Wiping Stain Dark MahoganyCan this spot be sanded out and restained?

   
1. 
   swannyww | Jul 01, 2009 10:04pm | #3

   Obviously there is something in the wood that is preventing absorption. I ran into a similar situation on a antique chest that wouldn't hold the color or finish in one spot because at the auction someone placed an old oily hinge on the chest. It probably is a liquid that has soaked in and isn't showing until you try to add another liquid over it. I would try a water based stripper to see if the stain would take. If that doesn't work try oxalic acid. If that doesn't work flip the piece of wood and use the other side if you can.

2. 
   mike4244 | Jul 02, 2009 01:10am | #4

   Appears to be a glue stain that was wiped with a damp rag. Try sanding the spot out and refinishing.

   mike

3. 
   bldrbill | Jul 02, 2009 05:28am | #7

   I have removed stains like this by scraping with a knife blade, then sanding.  It looks like something on the surface keeping the stain from soaking in.

4. 
   HowardAcheson | Jul 02, 2009 10:53pm | #10

   I would suggest one of two issues. One is that a drop of perspiration dropped onto the wood. Second is that it is adhesive from the adjacent joint that was not cleaned up thoroughly.
   Howie.........

2. 
   mrbird90 | Jul 02, 2009 04:04am | #5

   I found some of the gloves I wear put an oil on the surface of the wood and when you apply the stain it appears to look great and then when you put on another coat of stain or finish this spot shows up, So now I only use a green glove that I know from experience does not leave a contamination on the wood.

1. 
   johnjingles | Jul 02, 2009 04:16am | #6

   Holy ####. That is exactly what I thought - a residue from the glove got on the wood as I was moving it around for the 2nd layer of stain.Do you think I can sand it down and reapply the stain without ill effect?BTW - the gloves I used are the surgical gloves you can buy at Target or Walmart - comes in packs of 100 or so.

1. 
   mrbird90 | Jul 02, 2009 05:40pm | #9

   I ususally end up sanding it very carefully and blending the area in. Good luck.

3. 
   Barrie2777 | Jul 02, 2009 02:30pm | #8

   You have one flat tread without intricate trim or other detail....best and simplest to take it off and try again. You could spend four times that amount of time trying to match stain in the center of this tread.

4. 
   Spalted | Jul 03, 2009 05:19pm | #11

   From the picture I'd say it is almost certainly glue residue. It happens to the best of us. I would scrape the stain off with a scraper or a utility blade held nearly verticle, then sand with the grits you mentioned. Apply your stain to the area and blend with the surrounding area by wet sanding with some of the stain. I think you may be suprised at how easily it will blend in. If it soesn't turn out perfect don't forget that it is a stair tread and will be distressed in short order anyhow!

1. 
   johnjingles | Jul 03, 2009 07:10pm | #12

   Thanks - and your right about getting distressed - this stair tread heads into the kids playroom!