Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Staining old table

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Expert: - 5/17/2009


Question
I decided to stain our old kitchen oak table after lightly sanding it.  I put on a
pretty good coat just to the pedestal.  The can said it should dry in 4-6 hours,
but the surface of the wood is rather sticky.  I took a cloth and tried to get some
excess stain off, but still find it sticky.  It has been almost 24 hours.  Should I
just let it dry more?  I do live in a humid climate (Florida) if that helps.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Amanda, lightly sanding an old finish is not proper prep for using a stain, and it probably says so on the directions.Your table probably has a lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane finish over whatever stain is underneath. The wood needs to be clean of all old finish, wax, dirt, etc. before staining. Minwax stains are especially notorious for not drying properly. It will probably not dry, and I would take a rag dampened with mineral spirits, at this point, and wipe off all the stain you can. Removing all traces of old finish by stripping is the proper way to prep for staining. Certain stains can be used this way, like Gel stains, and Dye based stains, with the proper prep....but it's still not a good idea, unless you have experience in finishing and know when and how these techniques can be used. Also, when you say "I put on a pretty good coat", I get concerned, as all stains need to be thoroughly wiped off after application. You can't apply a heavy coat and just leave it....it will never dry, and will cause adhesion and other problems when you apply the clear coats. If you can't get the color depth you want this way, you need to change to a different stain type, like a Dye, or use more advanced techniques like toning. Probably not what you want to hear, but it's important to do things right if you want a good, and durable end result. Post back if need be- regards- Greg

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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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