Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am attempting to finish a table my painter had applied gel stain to.  I applied a coat of Minwax PolyShades.  After lettin it dry overnight, I rubbed the surface with 000 steel wool.  I now have light spots all over the table.  Have I wiped off the gel stain, and if so, what should I do?  Thank you, Kathy

ANSWER: Hi Kathy
Nice to hear from you.
You asked what you should do and there is only one answer I'm afraid.
You must strip the table back to bare wood and start again.
I always thought I was alone in disliking Minwax Polyshades but apparently I'm not.
I just read this..
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/wood/msg0814262021623.html
This is not to say that everyone dislikes this product, but it appears a lot of folks like you have had major problems with it.
I cannot imagine that the product would remove the gel stain though.
Sorry but I can see no other options.
If you want a good wearing table surface apply Minwax fast drying poly in a satin sheen.
I have it on my kitchen table and it wears great.
Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Eileen for your help.  I'm very impressed and grateful for your quick answer, but very disappointed that I need to strip the table.  Do you think I could use Formby's Refinisher for the job?  Thanks again, Kathy

Answer
Hi Again Kathy
At this point, there is absolutely nothing wrong with trying anything you have on hand LOL.
But take heart in the fact that stripping a table top is not a big involved job at all. Half hour at the most to do this.
Then a coat of Minwax stain (avoid the gel this time)...the only reason I say that is on the off chance the problem was with the particular stain that was used).
Then a couple of coats of poly.
I like 3 coats on a table top but no more than that.
And one other thought..questions like this stay with me long after I have answered and it occured to me after I sent your answer that perhaps what happened here was when you used the steel wool, you rubbed some of the color out of the polyshades.
So why not apply another coat of the polyshades before anything else is attempted...nothing ventured nothing gained.
Make sure its well mixed before applying.
Keep me posted
Regards
Eileen