finishing

[Pat Skanes]

Hello everyone,

Has anyone ever used the finish that has a combined mixture of the stain and of the finish? Is this a good combination? Do you experience any problems with this mixture? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. thankyou

Pat

[Barry in London]

I presume you're talking about the Minwax stain/varathane combination. I've used it and like it because it saves time. However, it's difficult to use especially if the surface isn't flat. It builds up very quickly especially in the nooks and crannies. I found it worked best for me to use a foam brush and go sparingly. Let me know if you want to know anything else.

Regards

Barry

[Keith in Brantford]

I like to stain separately so I can wipe it off after letting it set a few minutes. This way I think you can control the colour better.
I have tried the stain and finish all in one a couple of times with varying results.

[J.P.Rap (Hamilton)]

Never again.(that was about 15 years ago)
After several attempts at it , I ended up applying it then wiping it off(like a stain). That was the only way I could get an even finish.
FWIW
J.P.
This was the project

Rap On Wood (http://community.webshots.com/album/19354974ehrKROqVjc)
http://wsphotofews.excite.com/038/Lg/lg/mT/G833677.jpg

[Stan Ochtabienski]

Pat: It's a good finish depending on the look you want. As others mentioned, it is darker where it accumulates in crevices and on flat surfaces if you apply it with a brush and don't level it well. This is good if you want an antique look.

Because the stain is in the finish, it doesn't darken the wood much with each coat. If you're looking for a dark color it is better to stain first.

I've found it useful in evening color on woods that tend to blotch such as maple and pine. I stain the wood, seal it and then apply the stain/varnish finish.

LOL
Stan

[Kelly in Rosetown]

Color in the finish is mostly a Royal PIA,IMHO. Kelly