staining fir

[Roger Los]

I'm going to be staining a cabinet made entirely of "vertical grain" (as the yard called it) douglas fir and would like the finished result to have that warm golden-red glow fir has. Any suggestions on a finish that it would be easy to get good results with in less-than-ideal conditions (ie, no spray or clean rooms)?

This will probably be applied on my front porch. I'm happy to sand between coats, etc., I just don't have much other than brushes, rags and a slightly sore elbow.

Any ideas the will produce decent results with a only-slightly-evolved monkey applying it would be appreciated!

[Joe Chritz]

Cant comment on vertical grain but I have had excellent results with Waterlox as a wipe on on foam brush applied finish.

Shellac, brush on lacquer, danish oil all look good. I don't care for the look of polyurethane finishes so if durablility and looks were primary and I couldn't spray I would opt for the waterlox. It's pricey but an easy to apply finish.

Do some samples to get the look you are after.

Joe