Staining Tips?....

[Mrfish55]

Minwax makes a good product, I just don't like the 2in1 products, in my experience you get the best finish by taking your time and following all the steps, any multi product is designed to reduce steps, thus saving time and ultimately the resulting finish suffers and it shows in the end result. Pine is one of the more difficult woods to get an even finish, any reputable paint store should be able to help you with product selection and application. As I mentioned in my original reply, pre-stain conditioner, then stain, allow at least 24 hrs dry time then coat with 3-4 coats of clear polyurethane allowing sufficient dry time with a light sanding between coats, follow manufacturer recommendations on product application, I do have a compressor and spray my clear coats giving me the best finish. Also make sure you have a warm dry area to apply your finish, this time of year the high humidity and cool temperatures wreak havoc with most finishes, slowing dry time and clouding finish clear coats.

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

Minwax makes a good product, I just don't like the 2in1 products, in my experience you get the best finish by taking your time and following all the steps, any multi product is designed to reduce steps, thus saving time and ultimately the resulting finish suffers and it shows in the end result. Pine is one of the more difficult woods to get an even finish, any reputable paint store should be able to help you with product selection and application. As I mentioned in my original reply, pre-stain conditioner, then stain, allow at least 24 hrs dry time then coat with 3-4 coats of clear polyurethane allowing sufficient dry time with a light sanding between coats, follow manufacturer recommendations on product application, I do have a compressor and spray my clear coats giving me the best finish. Also make sure you have a warm dry area to apply your finish, this time of year the high humidity and cool temperatures wreak havoc with most finishes, slowing dry time and clouding finish clear coats.

Allowing each coat to completely dry for at least 12 hrs with this 2 - 1 is the key. I have done both 2 -1 and clear coat polyurethane and have found that with the clear coat it can some time have a yellowish affect if there is just the littlest thing off ( temp, coat thickness or humidity ) with the 2 -1 I have never in countered such affect.

[Maverick00]

@Mrfish55

I plan on using this method next time and give it a try to compare. Ive just already bought the 2/1 stuff so ill stick to it for now Ill post some pics once i get some panels together.

[Lampshade]

Thanks all for the tips, building my stand in the next couple weeks and you guys had some great suggestions. Mav post back if you learn any tricks along the way.

Also, how much stain is expected to be used? HOw much are you using for your 45?

[Maverick00]

Originally Posted by Lampshade

Thanks all for the tips, building my stand in the next couple weeks and you guys had some great suggestions. Mav post back if you learn any tricks along the way.

Also, how much stain is expected to be used? HOw much are you using for your 45?

Will do. Ive bought a 940 something ml container. Ive done several test pieces and have hardly used any of it. I cant see it using much more than this if any but thats just a guess

[Maverick00]

well im still having trouble with the clear coat. Ive conditioned the wood first, then added the minwax 2 in 1. I still notice bubbles in the polyurethane so i wiped off the first coat with a rag. It looked great but didnt have to much of a shine (defiantly noticed how much easier it was to keep even after conditioning the wood) Tried to apply a second coat after sanding with fine steel wool and still, the clear keeps bubbling... I cant figure it out and its getting frustrating. Im going to try a different method of applying it tomorrow, either a sponge or finer brush...

[intarsiabox]

Are you shaking the polyurethane before you use it? This will introduce small bubbles into it. Let the can sit and stir it with a stick to prevent air bubbles.