Replies

1. 
   YAWL | Mar 13, 2003 10:29pm | #1

   Hi Dick,

   A few things I would do differently:

   first, I'd practice a new finishing procedure on sample blocks,(3"*3") and if it didn't work out, I'd try something else.

   With the procedure you described, I would skip the sealer entirely. Birch really doesn't need it, try it on a sample block. I would finish sanding to the finest grit I was planning to use before coloring the wood. If the coloring agent is water based, try wetting the surface of the piece with plain water, let it dry and then sand off any raised grain with the final sanding grit used before. That should take care of any problem from the staining solution fluffing up the surface. Then hit it with your stain. Then finish with varnish, shellac, whatever you prefer.

   You might also want to experiment with dyes. Behlen's Solar Lux is a good NGR dye and I believe Woodcraft sels it, but I'm not really sure of that. I know they sell aniline dyes in powder form (Very powerful stuff- a badly timed sneeze can really ruin your day, as I found out the hard way with some malachite green) I prefer dyes over stains and think they are worth the effort.

   Anyway, I would not sand after staining, or at most, give it a light scuff sanding(2 or 3 light strokes) with very fine grit paper.

   Hope that helps,

   Christopher

1. 
   senior85222 | Mar 14, 2003 06:48am | #2

   Thanks for your ideas.  They make good sense.  I will give them a try when I get home which wont be for a few weeks.  I will let you know then how things work out.

   I have never tried dyes, but it is never to late to start!

   Thanks again,

   Dick