I'm getting ready to start staining my first project and have seen a few reviews of low VOC stain products where the users were unhappy with the performance. I'm all for less harmful chemicals wherever possible but I'd also like things to look nice when finished.
Does anyone have some knowledge on the Low VOC stains or experience with them?
Thanks
Forums
kristen
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 11:50
Great idea!
I have always put in the extra effort of trying to find the lowest VOC options I can build with. I generally paint my projects, so I haven't used low VOC stain options extensively. And I never would have thought to use Clay's idea. I think I will try that out!
I have used General Finishes water based stain with 85 VOC g/L which is pretty low for a stain, and I loved it. Great coverage and easy to use. I bought it at a Woodcraft store, so not sure where you could buy it where you are. You can see the finished project here:
http://pinktoesandpowertools.com/2010/11/29/leaning-wall-shelves-part-9…
and the stain process here:
http://pinktoesandpowertools.com/2010/11/28/leaning-wall-shelves-part-8…
claydowling
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 12:09
General Finishes products
if there's not a Woodcraft near you, look for a local Rockler partner store, which also carries General Finishes products. I've also ordered general finishes stains online from Lee Valley. Lee Valley's prices aren't always the best, but their customer service is way beyond what anybody else is going to do. And their prices are usually competitive.
Their water based stain also makes a good color base for my toner plan. In fact, if you read on the can they actually recommend it as a possible use.