This was a pretty fun project, the frame was solid 8/4 Maple, the top was 4/4, with a General Finishes water stain (Espresso). This was my first time using a water based stain. While I was happy with the look, next time I will wet the wood to raise the grain, then sand it again, and THEN stain! After I applied this stain, I had to try and very lightly sand the raised grain without messing with the stain. That was not fun. I am very interested in any of you guys/gals input on the use of water-based stains.
3 comments so far
kw193
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45 posts in 987 days
#1 posted 217 days ago
Looks like it turned out nice. Regarding your staining procedure; did you use a sealer or preconditioner prior to the stain? My general understanding in both reading and personal practice is to apply a sealer first, which will allow the grain to raise, then lightly sand down all the rough, and then stain, or finish. I typically use the wax-less shellac (zinsers seal coat) for that step. It also seems to allow the wood to take the next finish, weather it be stain or topcoat, more evenly. But I must say, I don’t generally stain, but just finish, so my experience with it is limited. Most of the stuff I use after the zinsers is water based, and that is always true if I am spraying.
a1Jim
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87370 posts in 1749 days
#2 posted 217 days ago
Super build it looks great.
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
workerinwood
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#3 posted 217 days ago
Well done, looks great!!
-- Jack, Albuquerque
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