Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/1/2006

Question
I put two coats of poly on a non stained poplar coffee table but do not like the blond look.  What can I do to add some color to the piece.  I was thinking of adding some stain to the poly but I am not sure if that will work. What would be the best way to add some color.

Answer
Hi Charlie
Nice to hear from you.
The stain added to the poly will look like heck...in my opinion.
And if you strip off the poly I fear that a coat of stain will go blotchy now.
I should say "more blotchy" as my experience with poplar (and I have used it a lot) is that it really blotches when stained. And after its stripped of poly that has been applied to bare wood its worse.
I think the reason is that poplar is actually quite pourous and the poly penetrates deep in some areas and not in others so when its been stripped of poly and stained its a mess.
The only solution I see for this is a good sanding and a coat of colored laquer.
Get back to me if this is not clear.
Regards
Eileen