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Question
I have a ten year old computer desk that is stained in dark cherry. It has some scratches and worn spots. I tried a light sanding on the spots and then staining. The stain did not penetrate the wood. I don't want to restain the whole thing. What do you suggest?
Hi Gloria, I know you don't want to hear it but the best thing to do is to completely sand and restain, applying a wood conditioner before applying the stain. however, there are a few other things you can try. You can use a gel stain which is thicker than a standard oil stain. If all else fails, you can buy a small tube of artist oil paints, you may have to buy two and mix them together then slightly thin with a bit of linseed oil to get a perfect match to your color. Both of these products will be a little thicker and give a better chance of even coverage, hopefully looking okay when finished. Apply them thick and allow them to completely dry on the areas. This may take a few days. When dry, sand them lightly until the surface is flat and smooth and then apply a clear coat over it all. You will have a better chance of blending the new into the old if you make sure to feather out the edges(no straight lines) when applying the stain or paint. Thanks for the question and good luck with your project.
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| Comment | Thanks so much for your advice. I kind of thought that is what we would have to do........but needed some advice from someone who knows. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
maura macaluso
Expertise
I can answer most questions, regarding, wood sculpture, wood carving, carving tools and accessories and different types of woods.I am not an appraiser of carvings nor an antique dealer.
Experience
I do full design work, custom carving, restoration, fabrication, repair and refinishing. I can take a piece of raw wood and turn it into a work of art and I can help you do the same. I am "the" carving instructor for the new york city parks dept. I am heavily involved in carving on the internet and belong to many, many mail lists which are quite active. I am also an international promoter of woodcarving and am affiliated with many master carvers, notably nora hall, originally from holland, now in the U.S. and kalina pavlova, a bulgarian master carver. I routinely communicate with the top names in professional woodcarving nationally and internationally.
Organizations
the national association of woodcarvers. the woodcarvers of queens NY, the staten island woodcarvers. the northeast woodcarving association. the world wide carving internet list
Publications
chip chats-the national magazine of woodcarving. also at www.carvinginnyc.com
Education/Credentials
Self taught artist and sculptor, 40 years of drawing and painting as a hobby, 5 years of serious woodsculpting. I have my own website and have written a 300 pg book on carving. I have published online tutorials and pictorial projects
Awards and Honors
many first place awards
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