Oil base poll. over water base stain

When in doubt, ALWAYS:

1.) Make a sample board, using the exact steps and project material. Write the steps and detailed notes on the back of the board.

2.) Use a barrier coat of Zinsser Seal Coat between questionable products. Try it on the sample you’re going to make.

NEVER practice on the project!

-- - Real men read directions

DITTO to what BeechPilotBarry said above.

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

I have used the oil/water combinations both ways- usually water based poly over oil based stain- both have worked well providing the base coat was thoroughly dried. I made the mistake once of putting on water based stain and then water based poly without waiting long enough for the stain to dry- the poly picked up the stain and made it blotchy.

Remember, I am NOT an expert at finishing and I don’t even play one on TV- just my experience.

Lew

Both BeechPilotBarry and Lewgive excellent advice. One clarification I would like to make to your question is that the type of poly and stain are really not important. You can apply water or oil base poly over water or oil stain. Just make sure that you let the stain/dye cure out before applying the topcoat. As BPB said shellac makes an excellent sealcoat and it should be used after the stain/dye is applied to prevent bleed into the topcoat.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.