I stained a mantel I built and the color is just a little bit off what I want. The stain I used is a Minwax oil stain. I have another stain I wanted to use as a second coat but it’s water-based. (I discovered that the furniture company makes a stain to match their furniture which I didn’t know before using the first stain.) One, is this a problem? Two, if the water-based stain would work, would an oil based polyurethane work too?
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Replies
Mike, go over the first stain with "seal- coat" it is a shellac that will act as a barrier for the minwax. The newly applied waterbased (depending on brand ) has at least SOME..alcohol or ethylene glycol..either or both will burn in to the shellac albeit not as much color will penetrate..if you have something like "Smooth and Simple" It will be just peachy..I worked with the developer of that Stain as well as the Hydocote clear finishes..and tho' the company was sold I am sure the properties are similar. Michael Dresdner was the Chemist involved in that product..they used to be the "Clearwater Color Co." Poly over top is no problem, if you also want to "LAYER" your colors mist a light coat of sealer over the color and add more color..spraying is better so that you do not pull up the previous color layer with the shellac that is being dragged by a brush. good luck...