Aug. 19, 09 - 04:34PM
George what tips do you have for staining maple.
Submitted: Jimrey
WoodWorkers Guild of America » General Discussion
Staining Maple
(2 posts)-
# Posted 3 years ago
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Aug. 27, 09 - 08:42AM
Maple can break your heart by becoming blotchy under stain. Here are a couple tips.
First, practice, practice, practice. You need to have enough extra boards on hand that anything you're going to do on your project you can try on scrap wood first. The scrap has to be the same material as your project, and has to have been treated the same (same sanding routine).
Sand maple to 220-grit. Then you can try a couple things. First, don't scimp on price on the stain you buy. Just like getting what you pay for in tools, the same applies to finish. In addition to some shopping at big box stores try specialty stores. Places known for their paint, like Sherwin Williams, also carry stains and sealers, and can provide expertise.
Experiment with gel stain. Gel stain is design to lay on the surface, but be transluscent enough to let the grain pattern through.
You can also try a wood conditioner. This product goes on the raw wood prior to staining and will help level out color.
You can also try a pre-coat of dewaxed shellac, which will have a similar effect as the wood conditioner. If you use a blond shellac you won't add a lot of amber tone to the maple.
The most important part of all this is experimenting with, and getting good at, different products before working on the real deal.
George Vondriska, Editor# Posted 3 years ago
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