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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Adjust color of wood finish

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Expert: - 2/19/2009


Question
Hi Greg, I built a bookshelf for my parents and I'm in the process of applying minwax polyshade (stain + polyurethane). I am trying to match this bookshelf as closely as possible to a couple of their existing furniture pieces. I thought I had the right shade picked out, but now it appears that it's too light and not red enough. I'm hoping I don't have to sand off the finish that's on there now. I'm wondering if it's possible to use another darker, redder polyshade color on top of the current finish in order to get closer to the color I want. It doesn't have to be an exact match, but I'm hoping for it to be kinda close. If this is a bad idea, do you have any other suggestions?

Answer
Hi Matt, I'm sorry that your this far into it, and that you chose to use Polyshades. I hate the stuff. If you have to remove it, you'll have to strip it off to remove it completely with stripper. Sanding just won't do it. Did you stain first to get the right color? That should always be your method first, and then possibly Polyshades to augment the color. One of the problems with Polyshades is that they really don't have a lot of color strength, so if you try to make a color change or effect a real "toning" shift with them, you end up having to put on WAY too many coats of the stuff. The only suggestion I can give, really, is to ALWAYS do a sample on a test scrap BEFORE committing to the actual piece. From start to the finished result you want. If you've only put on one coat, and it went on evenly (doubtful with that product), you could try to scuff sand it with some 220-320 and then apply a Gel stain over it. You'll likely have to work the Gel stain carefully to get an even tone, but you can't expect to go too dark with it. Staining and coloration should always be done on bare wood first, then sealers/toners followed by the clear coats, (almost always sprayed on because of the nature of this type of finish building/layering technique)....wish I had better news....post back if need be.

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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