Has anyone used Minwax premoistened Wood Finishing Cloths before for stain (see picture)?
I chose them for the assumed convenience and how fast they dry. However when I tried it, they seemed to dry too fast and left a splotchy result because you’re not able to wipe off all the excess quickly enough. I did do this in March in my garage when it was a little bit colder though so not sure if that was the issue.
I am staining vertical surfaces of Red Oak to a walnut color. I used Varathane Pre-stain conditioner. Would it be best to switch to regular liquid stain or a gel stain to prevent drips? I just read a review of Minwax Gel stain that mentioned the same issue of drying too fast, so I’m not sure.
The picture shows a test pieces so you can see the stained and the unstained side. Thanks for any advice!
Replies
Ditch the cloths, seems like an absurd product to me.
Red Oak is one of the most forgiving woods for staining. You don't need a conditioner. Keep it simple. Their oil based stain with a compatible topcoat will work beautifully on oak.
I started adding the conditioner, because the pieces I tried before this were even blotchier.
Sounds like you recommend the regular liquid (not gel) stain? How could I prevent drips since I’m doing it on a vertical surface?
Just keep as much stain on whatever you use to apply as you need.
Oil base stain takes a few minutes to set up. I've never had a problem with drips. Other than dripping on some other thing that should get dripped on... LOL
Just follow the directions on the can, it really is that simple. Minwax may not be the very best product out there, but I've found it to be pretty bullet (and idiot, if I'm any example) proof.
Will clear lacquer work as a topcoat for Minwax oil stain? I have both the spraycan lacquer and the brushing lacquer
I had this same problem with general finishes water based stain, it is thick as a gel and dries too fast when you do large surfaces. They sell a retarder but it was not available at the time. They recommend in their tutorial to stain small surfaces but I could not, my panels were large. I thinned down the stain with a small amount of water and developed a method to work quickly using a thick coating and keeping the whole surface wet using saturated rags and a dry rag for final wipe, it’s a workout, see if they have a retarder.
Hey,
Lacquer's a pretty good topcoat. My 2 cents - I'd use the spray but only cause it's easier. Either way, the stuff's 1st coat dries right now.
Mikaol
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