How to stain baltic birch plywood

[OCtoolguy]

I must admit that I have never been good at finishing but staining is my true weak spot. I need to make a piece that requires some strength so I have decided to use 1/4" BB and try to stain it walnut colored to match the rest of the project. I know there is a "right" way to do this but before I screw it up, can anybody offer any suggestions? The piece in question will be mostly hidden but will be visible in a small way. I just want to try to make it so that it doesn't jump out. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[rjweb]

Ray, when I use 1/4 bb, and use medium walnut danish oil, just dip and let dry, RJ 

[Denny Knappen]

I use Samen Walnut, a water based stain.  Apply and wipe to desired looks.  It will raise the grain a little, but with a light sanding just fine.

[OCtoolguy]

You folks make it sound so easy. Why do I always mess it up? Should I use a prestain? I've got a whole quart of Minwax prestain that I have never opened. I've heard that it will make the stain not blotch as much. How long should I leave the stain on prior to wiping it off? 

[Roberta Moreton]

I also use the colored danish oils. 

[OCtoolguy]

18 minutes ago, Roberta Moreton said:

I also use the colored danish oils. 

I use a lot of the clear/natural Danish oil. I'll have to get some walnut. Thanks. That might just be the answer. Easy to use too.

 

[Sycamore67]

ALWAYS....use a small piece and do a trial!!!!

I sand to 220 and wipe clean.  I think plywood of any kind can be difficult to stain.  The opposite side of plywood often stains differently and finishes differently.  They are typically from different grades of ply.  Do any testing on the same side as the one you want to look good.

[Roberta Moreton]

14 minutes ago, Sycamore67 said:

ALWAYS....use a small piece and do a trial!!!!

I sand to 220 and wipe clean.  I think plywood of any kind can be difficult to stain.  The opposite side of plywood often stains differently and finishes differently.  They are typically from different grades of ply.  Do any testing on the same side as the one you want to look good.

The edges will react like end grain 

[crupiea]

Sometimes it will look splotchy if you do not pre treat it.  They sell stuff that you just brush on and wipe off to pre treat,  Think its called pre conditioner or something like that.  
If it is not bug deal I just brush the stain on with a disposable foam brush and wipe it off with some paper towels.  

could not be simpler. of course, use some gloves or something because that stuff is watery and will get everywhere if you let it. 

[jollyred]

If you have the prestain already, get a piece of scrap BB and try it.  Make several samples and try different stains.  This is the best way to find out what you want to do.  I do this sometimes, and find it works pretty well.

Tom

[OCtoolguy]

I have the pre-stain conditioner. I'll do as suggested and experiment. Unfortunately, it will be the end grain that will be exposed so it's gonna be interesting. I'll try to post pics when I get into it. Thanks all.

[Sycamore67]

It is interesting trying to stain edges of plywood because you have different orientation of the grain.  Each of these will stain differently.

[ike]

I wipe on meneral spirits dwith a rag then wipe it off again , it allows the stain ddto sink in. I then stain it again till I get w=the color I want.

IKE

[rash_powder]

My understanding was it is just the fir/spruce/pine that is blotchy when stained.  Is that not so?

[tomsteve]

23 minutes ago, rash_powder said:

My understanding was it is just the fir/spruce/pine that is blotchy when stained.  Is that not so?

theres other species that blotch,too. maple,cherry,birch, and alder are prone to it

[NC Scroller]

For me I us an oil based stain.  Color is whatever I want.  I apply a liberal amount using a foam brush.  After a few minutes I wipe off the excess.

[Scrappile]

The only time I have had good results staining BB is when I used General Wipe on Gel stain...

[OCtoolguy]

So, now I have many choices to make. I'm mostly worried about "over-staining" the first application and have it too dark. I will cut some scraps and do some experimenting. I really appreciate all your help, suggestions and warnings. I'm going to try applying pre-stain first, then the Danish oil. If that proves to be too light, I'll try some oil based stain or gel stain. I realize that the edge will take stain differently so I guess it will be a two-pronged approach. The main parts/pieces of the project are walnut and mahogany and I usually just use natural Danish oil on them. This piece of BB plywood is only being used because of it's strength as opposed to making this one part out of 1/4" walnut. The piece in question is 9 1/4" in diameter x 3/8" outer wall thickness x 1/4" thick. Normally I would make it out of walnut but this time it's more than twice as wide in diameter. It has 1/4" notches cut around the inside wall ever 18 degrees. 20 notches in all. That makes this part VERY fragile. Hence the plywood. I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this one. Thanks again everybody for your help.

[KCSteve]

The tip I picked up from somewhere is to wipe it down with alcohol first.  Clears out the pores and opens it, if I recall correctly.  All I know is that the stain seems to take a lot better if I do it.

[tomsteve]

ray, one thing ive noticed with pre stain conditioning is the shade of stain doesnt seem to be as dark. a good thing with oil based stains is that they can be thinned down with mineral spirits to lighten them up,too.