Staining

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Thanks all, before and after pics to come.....

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

One day

 

[FishKeepingNoob]

Only advice I have is use a foam brush. Cheap and way easier than bristles imo.

 

[gomezladdams]

No stain,just use water based clear polyurethane.Let the natural wood show!

 

[Cookie*]

Staining is fairly simple.

1. Find color of stain you like.

2. Make sure the wood surface is smooth and clean. I usually use 220 grit for surface prep before staining. Make sure all dust is off the wood before staining.

3. Use a clean rag or foam brush to apply stain. Apply the stain in the direction of the grain of the wood. Be somewhat liberal when applying the stain to make sure it penetrates the wood. Don't worry if it is a little streaky.

4. Once you get the surface covered with the initial coating take a clean rag and wipe off all the excess stain, again in the direction of the grain. This will remove the streaks and give you an idea of the color of the wood with the stain. If you want it darker let the stain set on the wood longer before wiping it off. Or apply another coat and let it sit longer before wiping off.

5. Let the stain dry for 24hrs. before applying clear coat.

I'm a woodworker and can tell you to just follow these instructions.

If you choose to, you can also use a wood conditioner before you stain. It gets applied just like stain, but doesn't stain the wood. It just opens up the pores and lets the wood accept stain easier and deeper than without conditioner. You're choice as to use it or not. I personally would not use it unless I were doing a light colored stain or a color stain. Any darker stain will hide any imperfections so if you go dark use no conditioner. I always put at least 2-3 coats of polyurethane on as well to protect the final product. Apply the poly with a brush. Best of luck and enjoy your stand.

 

[FishKeepingNoob]

Apply the poly with a brush.

Make sure to not get the synthetic bristle brushes. Au naturel.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Thanks guys, first coat is on and drying....

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Day 2

Rubbed it down with steel wool, second coat goes on at some point this week

 

[stevenrox]

what kind of wood it that?? 0.o

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

NOt sure, is "cheap" a type of wood? - lol