Staining Red Oak plywood

[Ron Angel]

Can anyone share their experiences on staining the 3/4" ROak ply avail at HD?

Have any techniques given better results than others?

Brush on & wipe off or just wipe on?

ThankX, Ron

[RonB]

Red Oak from HD or Lowe's finishes just like anyone else's (It is just a LOT more expensive.). I have had good luck with MinWax products as well as others. Main thing is thorough sanding and preparation. Sand to at least

220 and 400 is better. If you want a super slick finish sand to 400 then burnish with 600 or a piece of brown paper bag. Wipe on poly provides an easy and attractive finish.

If you are buying much oak, find a local mill or hardwood dealer. If you convert the borg's liner foot prices to board foot pricing, they are obscene - up to $7-8/bd ft. Hardwood shops and mills in our area sell red oak for $2.89 to $4.20 bd ft (premium). It is even cheaper 150 miles east of here in Missouri or Arkansas.

[Leon]

Ummm, that would be Red Oak "PLYWOOD" that he is asking about.

[Leon]

Regardless of where you buy it, the better the quality stain you get the better results. Personally I finish sand with 180 grit and never go any farther. As for the actual stain you should always wipe it off after applying. I perfer Bartleys gel stains and General Finishes stains. Wipe them on and before they get too dry, wipe them off.

[RonB]

Well Hell Yes!

Must be bedtime - see you in the morning.

[RonB]

By the way - you didn't sense any personal opinion regarding Borg hardwood pricing - did you?

[Rumpty]

I agree, on red oak 180 usually works well. My tops go to 220 but then you run into a bit of trouble with two different absorption rates of stain. FWIW when I use Minwax stain (their regular stain) I spray on and don't wipe off.

[Paul O.]

rough spots as I like the rough raised grain. I also used wipe on poly on the two projects I made, sanding lightly after each of the first two coats, and I like the looks of that. Just my preferences, others will vary(that sounds familiar). Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

[patrick conroy]

shhhhh. went right by me... mebbe no one will notice... :)