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I stripped a bunch of paint off the woodwork in my old house, revealing white oak molding, and what I think is red oak around the window sils and doorway. The Oak is old, and very nice. The question is what stain to use on this woodwork. I have no idea. Is there a traditional color of stain used for Oak in victorian homes… Is there some colors I should definately avoid! I plan to finish it with Satin Polyurethane.
Help I need some advice on taste!
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I'd try a seal coat of Orange (amber) shellac. 1 part shellac to 3 parts dentured alcohol. A) This is a finish used in victorian times, B) the amber color gives a warm, rich, aged look, especially nice on red oak, C) if you want additional color, you can stain over shellac, if you don't like the look the shellac is easy to sand off (or wipe off with a rag dipped in ammonia. the wood may turn black if ammonia used, but once dry, can be bleached with clorox back to original color), D) other finishes can be applied over shellac.
Good Luck
*Wait, wait--don't use ammonia to get the shellac off!! Denatured alcohol will remove it with no problem or discoloration. Also you may not need to stain it . When you wipe it with mineral spirits that will be the color you get with a clear finish. See if you like that.
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