Expert: Greg Scholl - 10/23/2010

Question
Our 30 year old house has stained trim through out and we need to re-do it what it the best way? I don't want to change it, such as paint but freshen it. How about matching color?  

Answer
Hi Vicki, There are a few ways to accomplish this...but it depends on a few variables, for instance...how bad the condition is overall, how different the areas that need to be color matched are...etc. A Gel stain is a heavy bodied stain in a polyurethane base, and it excels at this type of "freshening", and then can be coated with any protective clear coat, once dry.I would suggest one of the newer waterborne Urethanes like Zar Ultra Max in Satin or Semi-Gloss. Low odor, dries fast, allowing you two apply 2-3 coats easily in one day. Minwax makes a line of Gel stains,( and a waterborne poly) but I would recommend you seek out the more professional Bartley or General products, which can be found at WoodCraft stores or online, they're just better, and have a longer "open" time , meaning that they are a little easier to use and give you a little longer to work the product before it gets sticky and starts to set up.The same goes for the waterborne urethanes. The Minwax is a "consumer" grade product, and there are MUCH better products on the market that are more durable and are geared more towards the Pro finisher, like the Zar. If the trim is really beat up, or in bad shape, then this type of restoration may not produce results that would make you happy, as dings, scratches, and damaged areas will still be there and might actually stand out more....in a case like that, it might be better to strip and refinish the trim, but that's a MUCH larger undertaking.Sometimes it even makes sense to remove and replace the trim with new wood and then finish it, if you really want it to look pristine...there are many solutions depending on what the end game is...please post back- regards- Greg

http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2005555/GENERAL-Gel-Top-Coat-and-Stains.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KIPF54/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539...

P.s.- The General Satin Gel Urethane Topcoat is also one of the best polyurethanes you'll ever use...just make sure to apply thin coats...and it is an oil based product meaning it takes 6-12hrs. to dry per coat vs. 30 min's for the waterbornes...