Replies

1. 
   oldusty | Jan 10, 2008 07:27pm | #1

     chalky ,              Finish a few sample pieces clear , show them to the Mrs.

    

                       She may like the natural beauty of the woods if your lucky .

                        Maple can be more difficult than Birch to stain .

               In my experience the gel stain was like pudding in a can , very intense color and sometimes the best option to get certain colors . solvent based stains are easier for me to use if there is much detail at all gel makes that tough .

          I had a hard time wiping the gel off evenly and near corners and details .

          dusty

2. 
   hammer1 | Jan 10, 2008 09:32pm | #2

   Typically with blotch prone species, folks use a pre-stain conditioner. This can be a prepared product or a light shellac. I've found the conditioners much easier to work with. The type of stain as well as the color will have an effect. I don't work for Minwax but I've found their newer waterbased stains and conditioner to work well on maple and others. Most oil stains will have a darkening effect on open or rough grain. The water stains are more even and don't highlight the variations as much. You get a more mellow color. Environmentally friendly, too. It always helps to do a few large samples all the way through, small pieces don''t tell you much, nor will leaving off a top coat on them.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   chalky | Jan 10, 2008 11:15pm | #3

   Thanks Hammer will try the conditioner and water base stains. 

3. 
   colebearanimals | Jan 11, 2008 01:41am | #4

   Hi chalky'

            Another option would be to use an aniline dye if you need to color the wood, especially if you go towards the darker colors.

            Otherwise, I'm with Dusty.

                                                               Paul

                                                

1. 
   oldusty | Jan 11, 2008 02:39am | #5

         Hi Paul ,

                So you have had a go with the gel stain I take it .

                       How is business on the coast ?

                              Down in the valley our heads are hung low

               happy new years to you       dusty

1. 
   colebearanimals | Jan 11, 2008 07:46pm | #11

   Hey Dusty,

                  Yah. I've used gel stain a couple of times. Didn't care for it much. I love the natural beauty of wood and try to suggest to my clients to use a wood that is close to the color they want rather than stain or dye it. But that's not always possible , as I'm sure you know.

                   Business here on the coast is a tad slow......well, kind-a sucky actually. But I'm managing to keep the bank off my back.

                   I'd love to stop by and chat a bit . The next time we're in the valley with a little extra time I'll drop you an email and see if you're around.

                               Happy New Year back at ya,

                                                                   Paul

2. 
   chalky | Jan 11, 2008 03:55am | #6

   Paul 

      What is aniline dye?  Where   would I get it?

    

1. 
   TonyCz | Jan 11, 2008 04:03am | #7

   http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/default.asp

2. 
   saschafer | Jan 11, 2008 05:14am | #8

   You can also get TransTint dyes from Rockler, Woodcraft, etc., or straight from the source, Homestead Finishing.

   -Steve

    

3. 
   colebearanimals | Jan 11, 2008 08:20pm | #12

    

             I'm no finishing expert by any means. It's a necessary evil to stay competitive where I'm located. So, I'm sure there's others on this form that can give you more technical information.

             Now, with that disclaimer out of the way :)

             I get my dyes from Woodworkers Supply. ( If anyone knows of another supplier, please, let me know.)

             There are basically two types. Alcohol based and water based. Each has its merits and drawbacks. The alcohol based doesn't raise the grain but can leave a line where you've stopped if your not carful. The water based doesn't leave the line but does raise the grain so you need to raise it first .

              The benefits of both are rich deep colors on notoriously difficult woods like maple and birch. The color will fade faster than pigmented stains though.

              For more detailed information check out Taunton's " Wood Finishing Book" ( I think that's the title. I'm not in my shop at the moment )

                                                                 Paul

4. 
   kreuzie | Jan 11, 2008 07:32am | #9

   Before you use water-based stain, moisten the surface with water and let it dry. This will raise the grain of the wood. After it's dry, lightly sand with 220 grit; this will eliminate the "fuzz" of the raised grain. Then stain and topcoat.

   (This first step only applies to water-based stains.)

    

1. 
   hammer1 | Jan 11, 2008 06:35pm | #10

   That step applies to water dyes, it's not needed with the water stains I've used. Another thing I like about them.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match