Replies

1. 
   mudman | Nov 22, 2003 08:11am | #1

   before. That way when the panel shrinks the edges wont show.

   Mike

2. 
   jazzdogg | Nov 22, 2003 09:34pm | #2

   Chips,

   Maple is notoriously challenging to color - tends to splotch & blotch. Strongly suggest you experiment on scraps before you attempt to stain your project pieces.

   Good luck,

   Paul

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
3. 
   forestgirl | Nov 23, 2003 02:19am | #3

   Definitely experiment first on scraps.  I'm gonna suggest you take a trip over to Jeff Jewitt's site and get some input from his.  Here's the home page, and the forum link is at the top I think:
   http://www.homesteadfinishing.com

   forestgirl Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

4. 
   Paul_Snyder | Nov 24, 2003 12:57am | #4

   I always stain pre-assembled doors and haven't had a problem with the bare wood showing at the edges of the raised panel. I use a wiping stain and set the door on a table while staining. I set the door on its edge and tap it lightly on the table to let the panel move to the lower edge. Then I wipe the stain on the upper edge of the raised panel. Rotate the door 90 degrees and repeat for each edge of the raised panel.

   Don't flood the stain into the joint where the raised panel meets the rails & styles; the stain will collect inside and run out later when you don't want it to.

   What color do you want the maple and what topcoats are you experienced with? Do you apply your finishes by hand or with spray equipment? Your answers to each of these questions will help narrow the choices for stain, dye, and topcoats. Maple doesn't take stains and dyes well but depending on the color you want and how you will apply it there are products that do work well.

   Paul