Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/11/2007

Question
Hi,

I anticipate finishing a solid oak dining table and chairs in the near future if I can ever get them built.

However, while at WoodCraft sometime ago, I received some advice about finishing that I want to ask you about.  The WoodCraft employee told me to mix the stain and top coat together and apply 3 coats.  They mostly sell General Finishes products.  He suggested mixing the oil based stain with their Arm-R-Seal oil & urethane top coat.  Indeed I have tried this on some other projects and it seems to work OK.  It definitely reduces the amount of stain used.  I seem to get the color I want by adjusting the ratio of stain to top coat.

However, I wonder when applying subsequent coats if it is a waste of stain to mix with the top coat.  The color does darken with each coat, but how does the stain penetrate the wood after the initial coat of stain and top coat mix.

How does the quality of the finish or durability compare with applying the stain first and then applying the top coat.

I want this table top to turn out as perfect as possible.  Do you see any problems with mixing stain and top coat or have any suggestions, or recommend other products for finishing a dining table and chairs.

Thanks
Joe

Answer
Hi Jim
Nice to hear from you.
A few years back, I did the finishes for a man who made oak and pine furniture, and I can tell you I would never mix the stain and topcoat together.
And most certainly if I did use it for the first coat, I would never use it for the second and third coats.
You will not get the proper stain penetration with even the first coat in my opinion, and you are right that you will get none on the second and third coats.
Jim I am not familiar with this "arm-r-seal" top coat but the name suggests you are painting a submarine...not a fine hand crafted table LOL.
It may be super durable, but it sounds to me like this table will be cared for and respected for the beautiful piece it will be and an "arm-r" finish is just not necessary nor do I feel it will develop a lovely patina over the years with this application.
A good durable finish is however very necessary.
I use minwax stain and Minwax fast drying poly in a low lustre. This is a very durable finish but there are other good ones out there too but I am set in my ways..or possibly I do not like messing with perfection LOL
I like 3 coats of poly on the table top.
You also have the option of getting the set laquered, but thats a job for a pro and it sounds like you want to do this yourself.
Jim you are doing the correct thing by exploring all the options and this is only one persons opinion.
Good Luck
Kindest Regards
Eileen