Need help choosing a stain for my stand

glb · Feb 16, 2016

I found a beautiful stand online that I want to use as a model but I can't figure out the stain or wood it might be. I like a light, low gloss finish that doesn't look dated. What is everyone's guess on this one (or maybe the builder is on R2R!). DISCLAIMER! NOT MY STAND!

Eckolancer · Feb 16, 2016

Looks like oak with paint

glb · Feb 16, 2016

Eckolancer said:
Looks like oak with paint

Like a pickled finish?

glb · Feb 16, 2016

I've seen some white-washed stains that are pretty then there's white paint, but I'd like a wood with only a little grain. I just love this one.

kschweer · Feb 16, 2016

Looks like a whitewash stain to me. More than likely a water based stain. The trick is in the application with stain like this. Usually it is brushed on and wiped off quickly with more coats to get the color/effect you're looking for. You can check home depot for tintable stain. It's basically a clear stain that they mix for you to the color you choose.

glb · Feb 17, 2016

kschweer said:
Looks like a whitewash stain to me. More than likely a water based stain. The trick is in the application with stain like this. Usually it is brushed on and wiped off quickly with more coats to get the color/effect you're looking for. You can check home depot for tintable stain. It's basically a clear stain that they mix for you to the color you choose.

Is it difficult to work with? I have no experience working with stains and I'll die if I mess up the stand at that point.

Windy · Feb 18, 2016

Better get life insurance then.

Lynn52 · Feb 18, 2016

Practice on a few left over boards. Staining isn't difficult.

kschweer · Feb 18, 2016

glb said:
Is it difficult to work with? I have no experience working with stains and I'll die if I mess up the stand at that point.

Sorry I missed this. Staining isn't very hard. The most important thing is prepping the wood correctly, i.e. Sanding and cleaning. I would also suggest practicing on some scrap first.

glb · Feb 18, 2016

kschweer said:
Sorry I missed this. Staining isn't very hard. The most important thing is prepping the wood correctly, i.e. Sanding and cleaning. I would also suggest practicing on some scrap first.

Thanks. I'm going to buy an orbital sander. What grit do you recommend?

kschweer · Feb 18, 2016

glb said:
Thanks. I'm going to buy an orbital sander. What grit do you recommend?

Depending on how the wood is before sanding I will start as low as 80. Normally I start at 100 and work my way to 220. After all the sanding I clean everything with w blast if compressed air and then wipe with a tack cloth.