We (my husband and I) were in desperate need of a better work space, and this was perfect.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150-$200 for the entire set
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes in espresso (water-based), top coated with GF polycrylic in gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
sgilly
Mon, 07/22/2013 - 20:47
Really pretty finish
I'd love for you to share how you got that beautiful color! I'm using an espresso stain right now. I've put on 3 coats of stain and still have light spots!
In reply to Really pretty finish by sgilly
solomonson
Tue, 07/23/2013 - 07:14
What species of wood and what
What species of wood and what stain? I used red oak, which apparently is one of the easiest woods to stain. I really didn't have to do anything except sand.
sgilly
Tue, 07/23/2013 - 07:21
Wood
I use birch in most of my projects. Usually, I can get a decent color from the stain. But, I'm thinking that this last batch of plywood wasn't the best. Also, I've never used General finish stains. I might try that next time.
I think I'm going to sand again, add another coat of stain, and if it's still a hot mess I'm thinking I'll mix some color into the poly and try to even out the color with the sealer. I don't have any idea if that will work - I'm not a finisher, but my husband used to do something he called "fogging", where he'd tint the sealer (Lacquer, in his case) with the color and as he sprayed the finish on it blended the colors.
Thanks for the response.
In reply to Wood by sgilly
solomonson
Tue, 07/23/2013 - 08:39
I *love* GF stains - I was
I *love* GF stains - I was really hesitant to try it because of the higher price point, but I just can't go back to Minwax. I'm forever spoiled. Well, the water based ones, that is - I tried a Minwax gel stain and actually got decent results, but I think their water-based stains are crap. I'm just lazy and don't want to go through the extra effort in using oil-based, though I acknowledge their durability is superior.
I'd be interested in knowing how your technique works out, as I don't have a lot of experience with stain - just wood conditioner, stain, poly. I've heard of using sealers and mixing ingredients but have been too afraid to try it myself. Good luck!