Part of my 1920 Craftsman bathroom remodel is the addition of 3/4″ T&G Douglas Fir Wainscoting on two walls. Tile in the tub alcove. The bath is currently gutted.
Using D Fir for affordability and it’s flat and mostly straight figure.
Fir is a bit difficult to stain, I’ve found out. Fills in the wider ares but the growth ring lines on the face don’t take as much. Not blotchy but uneven penetration. I tested a few different colors on the backside of one piece. I did no sanding or other prep just as a test.
I have a lot of experience finishing Cherry as that’s my wood of choice for a lot of furniture I’ve built over the years. Tried & True has always worked very well. It did not work on the fir.
The theme of this bathroom is old school California Craftsman with Victorian influence.
Subway wall tile in tub alcove, clawfoot tub, terracotta floor tile and 36″ of Wainscoting on non-tiled walls. I would like the fir to be medium dark with an aged look.
The look I’m going for is similar to the bathroom pic attached an want to get a color close to the vanity I built, also attached. I did find a stain that is very close so I need to apply it correctly. I’ll pre-stain and finish the T&G before installation due to seasonal movement.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Mike
Replies
Douglas for is tough to stain. The rings are very dense and don't absorb stain well. Your best bet is an oil stain, probably a gel stain.
I would be wary of Tried and True in a bathroom. I'm not sure how well it will hold up. I'd stick with poly for moisture resistance. Water based won't alter the color, oil based will darken whatever finish it goes over.
Never tried a gel. I will. Thanks.
I'd suggest a poly+stain solution. I've found it makes a nice even color over sappy woods like pine and fir.
I've struggled with brushing or wiping on this stuff, though. I find spraying gives a more even color. I have used the cheap Wagner HVLP systems, HVLP conversion guns on my compressor and my recent purchase, an Earlex HVLP system. All have worked and given me a really nice finish.
The poly will help with moisture as well... I'd also suggest finishing the backside of the fir before installation, if you still can. Probably not critical, but never hurts!
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