Jump to content

Finishing question


Recommended Posts

Just finished cutting this for a client. I showed him some finish samples today, and he really likes the Minwax Early American. To get in all the letters and a smooth finish (as much as possible) I think I need to dip it. I'll pick up a quart as I don't have enough in the shop, and dip it in a tin pie plate. 

I normally use Minwax Pre-Stain to help smooth out the top coat. Any other tips or tricks to a stain dip? Never tried dipping with stain, always just brushed it on.

I glued up the three pieces of the card holder...and left the base and big piece separate in case I needed to dip in a smaller container. 

Dip first, then glue up when dry...or glue up, then pour the stain over the complete piece over a pan...?   

After stain is applied and dry would you top coat ? With what?

The Rustic Wrench.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Gary, you didn’t mention what kind of wood you used. It looks like Walnut, but I’m not sure. Regardless, it definitely looks like a hardwood. I never stain hardwoods as I like the natural look of most hardwoods. What I would do is use a 50/50 mix of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. Soaking in the oil for a few minutes will bring out the natural grain and color of the wood. Then when dry, you can apply a topcoat of your choice. To test what the wood will look like with the oil, spritz on some mineral spirits. This is what the oil will do to the wood. 
one thing to consider is the end grain will soak in more stain than the flat grain. If you soak in stain, all the inside cuts will come out darker. Even if you use a pre stain. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...