Replies

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 23, 2003 09:54pm | #1

   The "Winter White" does a better job than other whitewash/pickling stains I've used, but it's a bear to work with. Dries too fast and is difficult to get even coloring.

   Instead of using this product, or other pickling stains, I use paint and thin it 100% - 200% and use that to color the wood. I use oil-base paint thinned with mineral spirits to "stain" the wood, then a water-clear, non-yellowing finish (like Polycrylic) to seal and protect. The thinned paint is easier to work with and a single coat develops all the color needed (controlled by the amount of thinner and wiping technique). I've used this on a variety of woods, including pine, with good results. Let the "stain" dry overnight before clear coating.

   For a little added color, you can mix in a small amount of white pigment with the Polycrylic (or other finish) and use this over the stain. It will help to develop even coloring and avoid any amber coloring from the finish.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   miti1 | Apr 24, 2003 06:28am | #2

   thanx paul , sounds good ,never thought of thinning like that , will exper  with it , customer wants as white as possible, does it raise grain at all?  mt.

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 24, 2003 11:41pm | #3

   mt - one of the nice things about using an oil-base stain under a waterborn finish is that the stain will seal the wood enough to prevent raised grain from the finish.

   The thinned oil-base paint does the same thing and is essentially and oil-base stain once you thin it down to the point the the wood grain is still visible. When the stain (thinned paint) dries, it doesn't look like there's very much color (white), but the finish makes all the difference; really bringing the color out.

   Try some samples with variations in thinning and wiping technique. I like to soak a large rag in the stain, wet a flat surface (side, top, etc.) then squeeze out the excess stain so the rag is damp, then fold it into a square and wipe the excess from the wood with the damp rag. This leaves more color on the wood than a wipe-down with a clean, dry rag would. Final wipe is with the grain to remove any streaks.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   miti1 | Apr 25, 2003 10:23am | #4

   thanx again paul, what kind of paint do you use,flat semi gl oss? just cant get  the white i need with mw stain.  unless i put it  on heavy and dont wipe off. mi....

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 26, 2003 12:00am | #5

   The sheen doesn't really matter. When you thin it down until it acts like a stain the flatteners that develop the sheen don't have any real effect that I've noticed.  I think I usually get semi-gloss - it's seems to be in stock all the time.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

2. 
   miti1 | Apr 26, 2003 07:26am | #6

   thank you  paul for you knowledg , what kind of work do you do?     mt /

3. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 26, 2003 04:13pm | #7

   mt - glad to help. I do finishing, restoration, and refinishing work.Paul SF'Burg, VA