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Expert: - 5/28/2011


Question
We are in the process of remodeling our basement and are sanding the old stain finish off of our maple bar cabinets; we would like to restain them in a darker, warmer finish.  I am wondering what the best brands of stain are to use, we are thinking about using an oil based stain. Do you have a preference?  We have not stained very much furniture and would like to buy the best quality we can find.  The local stores seem to carry all the Minwax brand...Thank you for your help. Suzanne

Answer
Hi Suzanne...you'll need to chemically strip these down to bare wood if you hope to get them dark, as they have a stain and a clear coat on them I'm sure.. Also, an oil stain will not get you there on hard Maple...or even soft Maple for that matter...a dye stain is most likely a better choice, or a combination of a dye and a Gel stain.Maple is also prone to 'Blotching' and it's advisable to use several light coats of stain to arrive at the correct color,with proper drying in between, instead of applying heavy coats.The Gel stains are nice because they are as thick as pudding, and in a polyurethane base, so they tend to blotch less and dry predictably.  I am not a fan of Minwax stains since they have all been reformulated, and would steer you towards a place like WoodCraft, where they sell the General line of products, (both Gel and dye stains),and other more professional grade products.You'll want to apply a protective clear coat as well, and something like Generals Arm-r-Seal, or the Gel Urethane Topcoat, would likely fit the bill, and apply easily as a wipe on finish.Hope that helps a little - post back if need be- regards- Greg

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005555/16544/Java-Gel-Stain-Pint.aspx

poke around on the website to see the products.

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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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