Water based Stain tip

[Leon]

I have recently started using stains that are not oil based. Naturally they raise the grain. Yes I have tried wetting the wood surface and sanding before applying the stain but with less than desirable results.

Thinking about how I don't worry about dust and or the nibs that result when using a gel varnish, I knock all those down and smooth the final coat of varnish after it dries by rubbing a piece of paper, wrapped around a block of wood, over the surface.

I tried this with the fresh stained surface that was rather rough, smooth results.

[cedarsonny]

I was given several gallons of different water based stains, when some comp= any went out of business. I similarly use a very much crumpled brown paper= bag or a piece of burlap to rub out for smoothness, before applying the fi= nish coat(s). =20

The burlap works especially well on uneven surfaces, like curved chair legs= & arms, turnings, etc., as when I touchup or refinish a piece that I'm reu= pholstering, no matter if using oil or water based stains. The burlap easi= ly conforms to almost any curve, as you're rubbing (*fondling!) the piece.

*For those who appreciate "curved" furniture: Like a good fetching woman, the mo curves, the mo betta!

Sonny

[Leon]

went out of business. I similarly use a very much crumpled brown paper bag or a piece of burlap to rub out for smoothness, before applying the finish coat(s).

arms, turnings, etc., as when I touchup or refinish a piece that I'm reupholstering, no matter if using oil or water based stains. The burlap easily conforms to almost any curve, as you're rubbing (*fondling!) the piece.

I am glad to hear my experience was not a fluke. ;~) Now if only I could find some burlap.

[Lee Michaels]

"Leon" wrote

If my farm boy experience is an indicator, burlap is a common material for animal feed. So just get some hog feed at your local farm store and you will be set. And you can raise some pigs in the back yard and get some good pork for smoking and barbeque. You kill two birds with one stone! Happy to help.

[-MIKE-]

That's what I started doing a few years ago and it works magic. I get very, very smooth surfaces with the old brown grocery bags. I posted something about it a while back and someone started a joke about Festool coming out with $25 grocery bags.... :-)

[cedarsonny]

Burlap: A nearby upholsterer will likely have some scraps to give you. Also, your nearby sewing or fabric shop should have burlap, as they normally have some basic/DIY upholstery supplies.

*The old fashion brown burlap, not the new white synthetic burlap.

And I've used worn/used denim, also. It's course enough for some rubbing applications, as well.

Sonny

[chaniarts]

a small bag of rice (costco, chinese market) will come in a burlap bag.

[Leon]

+

LOL Yeah I know how to get burlap, but not by itself. Ill pass on the pig farm. LOL

[Leon]

your nearby sewing or fabric shop should have burlap, as they normally have some basic/DIY upholstery supplies.

Hmmmmm Ill check with my wife, she is a quilter.

Yeah the scratchy stuff.

applications, as well.

My worn denim tends to shred easily and is way too soft. :~)

[Leon]

I typically rub down with the printed CutLists after I am finished with them. Too stiff for curves and such but the burlap sounds promising.