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Expert: - 8/10/2008


Question
Hi, Eileen, Need some advice about how to seal, before staining, a 100-150 year old bed. Maple head/foot boards, poplar uprights. It's VERY dry.

Answer
Hi Dan
Nice to hear from you.
Dan we do not seal before staining in most cases.
The only time I say to seal would be on new wood if its pine or maple...and only sometimes, it depends on a few things.
100 to 150 year old maple and poplar stain beautifully if all finish is removed.
Don't mess with perfection.
Don't worry about the dryness. Just make sure you test your stain color before doing the entire piece.
Select a small area that doesn't show to test the stain color.
Great project
Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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