I’m refinishing a mahogany gate-leg tabletop. I’ve stripped the old finish, and then applied an oil-based stain. After three days, the stain wasn’t dry, so I removed that and then wiped the top with mineral spirits. Not liking the tint I had put on, I’ve gone to a water soluble dye, to get a better matching color for the legs. In the application of the dye, I was able to see where the dye had places it would just wash right over, without sinking in to the wood. I thought the mineral spirits would take care of this, but I guess I was wrong. Any thoughts would be welcomed.
Replies
Your oil based stain contains a resin (varnish) to adhere the pigment to the wood. At the same time, the resin also acts like a varnish and seals the surface and pores of the wood. This means it acts as a barrior to the absorbsion of the dye stain. Dye stains need to be applied to virgin wood.
You basically have two choices. You can sand the existing surface with 180 paper which will tend to open up the pores. Or, the best choice, is to use a chemical stripper and remove all the existing stain and start over. Don't try to sand it off. Sanding will not get the finish that has penetrated into the wood.
Thanks, Howie. I was thinking I would be taking off what was there. I only dyed the bottom, so that's the only part I have to deal with.
creek,
It sounds like you still have some contamination from the old finish that is interfering with your stain. It can be a bear to deal with. I'd try another round of stripper. If your sandpaper loads up with gummy sanding dust, not powder,when you scuff sand after stripping, you still have something there to get rid of. If mineral spirits doesn't work, try lacquer thinner. Use plenty of whatever solvent you go with, and lots of rags or toweling to wipe off with, so you aren't just smearing the old gunk around. I dislike refinishing, too many variables you have no control over.
Good luck
Thanks, Ray, just finished up wiping with lacquer thinner, and it's lookin' better.
This is (I say this now) the last refinishing I'll do. It's been for a friends sister and her husband. Four pieces, and each one has been a real bear. From now on, this will only be for my own stuff. Too much work for someone else.
thanks,
Jerry
creek,
The best refinishing jobs are the ones that come to you after the owner has tried, and failed, to do an acceptable job. They almost never complain about the cost, 'cause they know firsthand what is involved.
Ray
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