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Thread: Stain question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    West Central Wisconsin
    Posts
    83

    Question Stain question

    I think this will be a pretty simple question for most of you.

    I finished part of a project with Minwax Gel Stain over cherry. The rest of the project is maple. I'd like to put a few coats of a varnish/boiled lindseed oil/Naphtha mix finish. Any harm putting that over the stain?

    Many thanks,
    Jarrod

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Shoreline, CT
    Posts
    2,923
    No harm particularly, depending on how well the gel stain has sealed the wood. An oil/varnish finish is best used as an "in-the-wood" finish, and shouldn't be allowed to build on the surface since the oil makes it soft, though not as soft as pure oil would be. I would use a thinned varnish and leave out the oil. Won't be much different to apply, will look about the same, and will give a finish that will work well even if it builds a little finish over the gel.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Southport, NC
    Posts
    3,147
    As Steve says, gel stains are thick and contain a resin binder. This effectively seals the surface preventing the absorbsion of oil type finshes.

    Using a wipe-on varnish is a good choice. However, be gentle applying the first coat. The pigments in the stain are not firmly attached to the wood and agressive rubbing with cloth can dislodge the pigment and cloud the finish. Once the first coat is applied, you don't need to be as careful. A wipe-on varnish can be either bought pre-mixed or you can make your own by mixing your favorite varnish or poly varnish 50/50 with mineral spirits.
    Howie.........

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