Replies

1. 
   Alan | Nov 17, 2004 02:44am | #1

   bill,

   You certainly can use different color stain in successive coats.  It's done all the time.

   There is a caveat, however:  if you apply different stains one after the other, the second can liquify and mix with the first and turn the color to mud.  The way to avoid this is to put a shellac barrier coat between the stains.  Shellac is used because it has a different solvent than stains, and it is an excellent sealer.

   Shellac comes in different colors which can be used to modify the color.  For example, on walnut I like to stain with a van dyke brown, followed with orange shellac.  The shellac warms up the color and brings out the lighter colored wood.

   As always, my one inviolable rule about finishing applies:  there should be no surprises!  That means experiment.  Use all the little scraps you have laying around that are good for nothing else, and go all the way through your finishing routine before you put your hard work at risk.

   I save all my experiments.  I use a Sharpie, indelible ink pen, to write on the back exactly what I did.  They're a wonderful resource.  I don't need to experiment all the time any more; I often have already done what I'm thinking about.  All I have to do is find the piece of scrap.

   Alan

1. 
   billballeza | Nov 17, 2004 05:49am | #6

   Alan, as the master finisher on this thread I want to thank you for your advice. It has given me great guidance for times in the future when I, no doubt, will be able to use it.

   Bill

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 17, 2004 03:32am | #2

   If you to make a nice looking table now look lousy, use the Minwax Poly/Stain (Polyshades). It doesn't apply evenly and on large surfaces will look blotchy and streaky. It's impossilbe to lay down a consistant thickness and the variation in thickness creates varying intensity of color.

   Best thing to do is either keep it like it is or get out the paint stripper and start over. BTW, I made a maple table for my son who shortly thereafter re-did his kitchen in a darker wood. The table looks perfect and the cabinets and table set off each other.

   Howie.........
1. 
   billballeza | Nov 17, 2004 05:46am | #4

   Thanks, Howie. I looked on the MinWax website where they claim you can use the polyshades over any finish without stripping. I happened to have some and tested it on a cutoff which I first finished like the table currently is.

   You are so right. There was blotchiness and, as you put it, varying intensity of color. This evening I phoned my daughter (who lives 200 miles away) and asked her if I should start over and go darker. She said the kitchen cabs in her new house, which she closes on later this month, are so dark that the last thing she wants is a dark table.

   I am so relieved because, honestly, I think the color and finish are beautiful. I'm driving the table up to her the Saturday after Thanksgiving and I can hardly wait to present it to her.

   Bill

   P.S. Do you make chairs? I want to learn how to make a simple but elegant chair that doesn't require Maloof-like skills. I'm thinking ladder back with cushioned seats. Know where I can go to get some plans and/or ideas?

3. 
   GBez | Nov 17, 2004 05:44am | #3

   I concur with Howie.  I have not had good results when using Minwax Poly/Stain (Polyshades). In my case the application was uneven and seemed to have particles in it (like suspended) that created slight texture. 

   I would recommend either having a contrasting cabinet color or going the long road and stripping, staining and finishing again in the desired color.

   Good luck...

1. 
   billballeza | Nov 17, 2004 05:47am | #5

   Thanks, Willy.. please read my note to Howie. You guys have been of great help.

4. 
   hammer1 | Nov 17, 2004 07:21am | #7

   Viva la difference! I wouldn't use poly-shades on a dog house. I'd recommend you don't either. Your daughter will love it more than any other piece she owns and you too. Get ready for some hugs.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match