How do I apply stain to staircase railing spindles?
Question:The spindles are made of poplar. The stain is too dark where the grain of the wood is end exposed and light where the sides of the spindles are. Is there a way to suppress the porous ends of the wood so the stain is more even ? Can I first stain with natural, then go over it with the oak stain ?
Answers:
go to hardware store and buy some mimwax wood conditioner. its made so that when you apply it it gives you a good even coat without accepting to much on the end grain. it coats the wood but will still accept the stain. try it on some sample pieces and you'll find out how to apply for your process.
Couple of ways to go.
You can apply a "spit coat" of shellac (6 parts denatured alcohol to 1 part white or orange shellac).
It fills in the pores of the end grain & helps even out penetration of the stain.
A neutral stain can also help.
A very light rub w/ fine bronze wool will knock down any popped wood fibers.
Poplar is likely to have light , dark ,& sometimes greenish streaks in it.
MIght just try orange shellac which will warm it up to the aged
oak color.
That's Poplar for you.
Best regards
More Related Questions & Answers...