I have just made a pine cabinet for a new T.V. and speaker system. The old cabinet I made from white pine and was pleased with the finish I got using Bartley’s Antique Pine gel.
When I tested this finish on the new wood, I was shocked at the flamboyance of the grain. After some research I feel that what I thought was regular northern white pine is really southern soft yellow pine that in its raw state looks like white pine. It comes down to the huge contrast between the new and old wood in the figures. You get a grain reversal where what looks dark in the raw turns light with the stain.
I have used a cut of 4:1 of clear finish as a pre stain which helps, but still dislike the contrast. Is my only hope to go to a pigmented stain to hide the wild figures? I have no experience in this and no spray equipment. Is there any spray can stains that are workable? I have heard of a product called Preval where you buy pressure spray cans and use it with your own material. Thanx for any help you can offer.
jackmac
Replies
No, you want to run from pigmented stains. The way to get a more even coloration of SYP is using a dye. Dye will penetrate even the hard grain parts, while pigment won't. You don't need to spray an aniline dye mixed with water, just flood it on, and wipe up any puddles. You control how dark it turns the wood with how concentrated you mix the dye. Experimentation on scrap of the same wood is needed. Also remember to put a coat of your top coat on your test boards since dye looks quite different when it dries in its raw state from what happens when the top coat is applied.
...and if you're using water based aniline dyes, remember to raise the grain first. Run a damp rag or sponge over the lumber to raise the grain, then sand when dry, then apply the dye.
Appreciate your advise. I shall be very careful to raise the grain and then resand. Thanks
jackmac
I think I goofed on my first reply to you. If this a repeat, ignore it.
Thanks for your advise. The water based aniline makes sense. Couple of questions: Is aniline blotch prone? Should any kind of prestain be used? Is itavailable locally in any paint stores, or should I go online to get it?
Anything you can add is appreciated.
jackmac
have you tried any of the so-called "wood conditioners" -- or a coat of the dewaxed shellac from Zinsser, "Seal Coat"?
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
nikkiwood,
Thanks for your reply. My only prestain so far has been Bartleys gel clear coat in various cuts with mineral spirits. Am going to try Steve 's aniline dye next, but will keep your answer in mind.
jackmac
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