Replies

1. 
   peter28 | May 15, 2006 05:37am | #1

   Jabe

   That is a very loaded question. What's the best food or car? It's a matter of taste.

   Since it's stripped down, give it a wash with denatured alcohol and proceed to your sanding and  then remove all the dust.

   If you want to use a gell stain try some out on some scraps so you can get the feel for it. Also, before you spray lacquer over this, be sure and seal it first. I would suggest Seal coat which is de-waxed blonde shellac.

   You could also use tinted lacquer if you choose. Just be careful that you don't use too much color in your lacquer.  It's easier to apply a few coats to build up to the look you want than putting on a a heavy coat that will most likely be streaky and uneven.

   Peter Gedrys

1. 
   jabe | May 15, 2006 05:12pm | #2

   Sir, Thank you for the response and tips

    Most of my experience with maple is the it wont absorb the stain to well. My question,better phrased, is would coloring a laquer be  better for absorbtion than using gel-stains.Can I also apply the laquer with a brush (Deft brushing laquer) ?

                                                                Regards

                                                             Jabe 

                                                                  

1. 
   peter28 | May 16, 2006 03:14am | #3

   Jabe.

   Lacquer does not penetrate the surface, it sits atop it.

   If you are having problems getting your stain to take, you might be sanding it too much. Try sanding to 180 and then staining.

   You might try using a water soluble dye first.Try a medium yellow or a golden amber. It is very easy to use. Mix about one ounce of powder into very warm water, strain it and you're ready to go.

   Be sure and wet the wood first to raise the grain and sand it smooth.

   You can use any type of stain over it for a simple layering. It will give a lot more "life" to the look of just a gel stain.

   Apply the seal coat as described, scuff lightly and you can go ahead and brush on the Deft. Just be sure you don't over brush it as it sets very quickly.

   Good luck.

   Peter Gedrys