This weeks project is a couple of medicine chests built in solid walnut, except the back. I found some cheap bead board type plywood for the backs, and attempted to stain it a dark walnut to match the hardwood.
I know enough to condition soft woods before staining to prevent blotching, and dutifully applied Minwax Wood Conditioner, and applied a Gel Stain over the ply as an added precaution.
I still experienced some blotching and the results were less than what I expected. Short of buying some walnut veneer and applying the same to some MDF, do you’all have any tips on staining plywood?
Thanks.
Regards,
Boris
Boris
“Sir, I may be drunk, but you’re crazy, and I’ll be sober tomorrow” — WC Fields, “Its a Gift” 1927
Replies
Boris, This may help, and it may not. I NEVER use those stain conditioners and have NEVER had a problem with blotchy finishes. I also don't let the stain puddle. I wipe on just enough to soak immediately into the wood. Nothing to wipe off when I am done. that being said, you should try to do it without the conditioner. maybe run a small test piece first. I find that i can get a much darker color when I don't use that conditioner stuff. In my eyes all that it does is fill up the pores of the wood so that they won't suck in as much stain, thus leaving a lighter shade than you would like.
Nice name, it's the same as my cats' (I didn't name him that. I inherited him)
Actually, my cat's name too. The other one is Maynard, after Maynard G. Krebs.
So just regular oil based Minwax stain, huh? I'll give it a try tonight.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
My two cents? I would use the Minwax conditioner. Why? I used Minwax oil base red mahagony stain on two projects. Both were birch ply. I got blotchy results without the conditioner. While it's true you have to leave the stain on a bit longer using the conditioner.. you won't get the blotches. Just don't leave the stain on too long.. it sets and you have a tough time wiping it off for a nice even color.
bill
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