May be a dumb question - I've noticed that most tutorials show a finished (i.e. put together) table top of bare wood. So obviously the staining is done after the construction. Doesn't that mean that no stain will get onto the depth of the wood? Like if I'm using 2x6s then does the side of the planks just stay unstained? I realize they won't be seen. I stained the individual pieces (bottom first - DUMB!) and now have stain drips that went onto the front (good side) of the planks which would be the table top. So, two questions - how do I fix the dark stains on the top? and should I just wait (next time) and stain the tabletop once it's put together?
And, to go along with this - I've thought that maybe I'll paint over the stain and distress or whitewash the table to try to "cover up" the dark stain from the drips. Would that be a possible solution?
cmcmassage
Fri, 12/26/2014 - 05:10
I don't have a lot of
I don't have a lot of experience with staining stuff but in my recent research on finishing tables and benches made with individual planks for the tops, I've seen where the instructions say to pre-stain the boards before assembly. This would mean that every surface (including unseen surfaces) would be covered with stain and/or poly protective coat, if you wished. I think that's to make sure that you have even color on your top boards as you look down from the top, just in case there are gaps or seams in between the boards. That way, you see the same color as the rest of the table or bench top instead of the stain color on the very top and possibly some bare wood in between. Does this make sense? Hope it helps.
cmcmassage
Fri, 12/26/2014 - 05:10
I don't have a lot of
I don't have a lot of experience with staining stuff but in my recent research on finishing tables and benches made with individual planks for the tops, I've seen where the instructions say to pre-stain the boards before assembly. This would mean that every surface (including unseen surfaces) would be covered with stain and/or poly protective coat, if you wished. I think that's to make sure that you have even color on your top boards as you look down from the top, just in case there are gaps or seams in between the boards. That way, you see the same color as the rest of the table or bench top instead of the stain color on the very top and possibly some bare wood in between. Does this make sense? Hope it helps.
cmcmassage
Fri, 12/26/2014 - 05:11
I don't have a lot of
I don't have a lot of experience with staining stuff but in my recent research on finishing tables and benches made with individual planks for the tops, I've seen where the instructions say to pre-stain the boards before assembly. This would mean that every surface (including unseen surfaces) would be covered with stain and/or poly protective coat, if you wished. I think that's to make sure that you have even color on your top boards as you look down from the top, just in case there are gaps or seams in between the boards. That way, you see the same color as the rest of the table or bench top instead of the stain color on the very top and possibly some bare wood in between. Does this make sense? Hope it helps.