Expert: Jamie Yocono - 3/8/2007

Question
We are finishing new unfinished oak cabinets.  We are going to stain them with Minwax (combination cherry/english chestnut stain for a rich look.  Do we need to put on a wood conditioner first.  I can says it is for soft woods.  Will it make a difference? Also What's the best brand of polyurethane finish and brush to put it on with?

Thanks  

Answer
Hi Rhonda,

I never use a wood conditioner when finishing Oak, I just have never had a problem with splotchiness, which is what I think the conditioner is supposed to help.  There are some woods that stain poorly, it's usually due to the grain/pore structure. In my opinion, Oak doesn't need any help, it's never been problematic for me to stain. Just apply it evenly, try to keep working the surface so that you don't have any overlap (double stained) areas. It's pretty easy to stain wood, you shouldn't have a problem even if you're a rookie.  :)

As to your second question, about which brand to use for your polyurethane finish, I always like to stay in the same family of finishes. So if you're using a Minwax stain, it's best to use a Minwax polyurethane. That way, there are no compatibility issues. Likewise, when you use a different product, like McCloskeys or Formbys, then try to stay within their family of products.

For years, I only used stains and finishes (oils) that could be applied by rags. I liked this method, I could control it much better than using a brush and worrying about brush marks or drips. But there have been times when I've absolutely had to use a brush.  I spoke to a friend of mine who is a professionally painter, asking for advice. This is what I learned... buying a good brush is ESSENTIAL to applying a good finish. One with angled bristles works best, and Wooster is the brand that I always use. I usually buy a 2" brush, and I forget the actual type of bristle (or hair) I use, I think it's synthetic hair. On the brush package, it will say- use for oil base, or latex, or whatever.

I'll tell you this- my whole life, I was a lousy painter. Once I actually spent the $10 or $12 for a good brush, it made all the difference in my painting skills. So please don't buy a $2 brush and think it will work as well as a good one. It won't.

OK, good luck, I hope this helps. Please feel free to write back if you have any further questions after reading this. And if this answer was helpful... please take a minute and rate my service. Thanks!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com