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After reviewing several articles about staining, I took the bold step of buying brand name water based dye stains. As all the articles suggested (mainly from FWW), I should cut them with water and proceed to finishing steps. I am working with poplar wood and after sanding through 180 grit on test pieces and applying the stain, I have developed a heavy concentration of color on the face of the boards at the ends (not the ends themselves). Although wiping off the excess stain almost immediately and as it is drying, the dye stain seems to “creep” from the end of the board inward in an unsightly manner. The reults are horrible. I really like the color I am achieving, but wherever the boards have an end cut, I get the “creeping”. Can anyone solve this riddle before I dare apply water base stain to a real project. I’m still in the experimental stages.
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Replies
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If you were to lay your dye on wet and just leave it, would it be too dark? My guess is yes. If that's so, cut it further with water. My goal when dying (sounds philosophical) is that if I just soaked it on, it would be about the color and intensity I want.
I think what is happening to you is that the endgrain is wicking the full strength up, almost immediately. Another thing that could work would be a light coat of thin, thin shellac (say a half-pound cut), but that's a bunch more work. Try thinning some dye further and see if that fixes you up.
Dave
*Thanks for your suggestions, Dave, I'll try them. One further question....Can I use thinned polyurethane rather than shellac to apply to the ends, as I have more poly sitting on the shelf.
*I've never tried it Gary, but I don't immediately see why it wouldn't. You would have to wait a lot longer for it to dry, I think. Nice feature of shellac, especially that thin, is that it dries almost immediately. Do a test piece and see how it works. :-)Dave
*Gary; I use water stains all the time. Here is what I do,1st sand wood up to 220,(by hand with grain) wet the wood with hot water, allow to dry completly, then resand with 220 (every surface) Apply water stains very warm and wipe off with a wet rag (also very warm) The wet rag will help to even out the color
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