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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Gel Stain
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Question
In the process of refinishing out kitchen cabinets. They are light maple. We are going for a darker espresso/chocolate color. After A LOT of trial & error, we have decided on General Finishes Java Gel Stain. The first test we did was perfect...but now the problem is getting a consistant color. Process we've been using: TSP & steel wool to get the finish off, then light sand, then apply with an old under shirt. We've tried thin coat, heavy coat, double coat, double coat with sand in between. Just having a hard time getting a consistant color. HELP!!!
Hey Kim, TSP and steel wool will not remove the finish, you'll have to be a lot more aggressive than that to remove the finish, varnish remover, hard work, and perseverance will likely get you there, but it is not easy. You need to be down to clean, bare wood to hope to stain Maple that dark, and likely you'll also need more than just the Gel...like a dye stain first, then maybe the Gel. These dark finishes are achieved through multiple steps, usually a dye stain,a sealer, another stain coat, another sealer coat, and then a toner coat (a dye colored clear coat), followed by the final clears. Spraying is really required, as well, in most of these colored finishes, to achieve that "consistent color" and to apply these steps evenly, but it starts with stains, which have to be done at the wood level, and that means COMPLETELY removing the old finish, which you cannot achieve with TSP. Post back- regards- Greg
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Answers by Expert:
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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