I recently received a commission to build a Windsor writing arm chair. Along with it was the request to stain the chair with minwax special walnut stain. Since windsor chairs are constructed from a combination of green and dry wood what problems do I face with staining woods with a high moisture content? The intended finish coat is the old recipe of oils and varnish.
Has anyone experienced this scenario?——-any input is appreciated.
Thanks, Jerry
Replies
The wood should dry quickly enough, at least to the point where it can take a finish, in a week or two if the chair is in a dry environment. So if you can wait for awhile there shouldn't be a problem.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking
Edited 2/10/2006 4:17 pm ET by JohnWW
John, Would the use of lacquer based stains be helpful in this application?
-Lou
Lou,
In terms of dealing better than average with residual moisture in the wood, I doubt it. Furniture finish isn't tested or normally used on wood that isn't basically dry so there is no information available on this that I know of.
The piece will probably be sufficiently dry in just a few weeks, if it is kept in a low humidity environment after it is made, but the only way to be sure you won't have a problem is to wait a month or two.
This is a fairly high end piece of furniture that you are making, you shouldn't be rushing to get a quick finish on it. Giving the piece time to dry properly isn't an unreasonable request, you should try to get the client to relax and allow you the time you need to do the job correctly.
John W.
Johnww, What part of the US do you live in?
Southern Connecticut, 50 miles north of New York City.
hey john, The reason I asked where you lived was becouse its pretty hard to get clients to relax on the east coast If you know what I mean. Since you are 50miles outside of NY. You Know What mean.
Need to hit the lottery so I can do this as a hobby,
-Lou
I thought you had asked to find out what kind of climate I live in, since this would affect the way wood dries. I do know what you mean about clients being in a rush. Somehow you would expect a customer ordering a Windsor chair to be a bit more laid back than someone ordering an entertainment center.If you hit the lottery you can make furniture til the money runs out.John W.
amen JW
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