Kind of a DUH!! experience: Had the pieces for my ceiling all nicely sanded and stained, then put a coat of BM water-based poly on them. It never occurred to me that it would raise the grain like that!
Thankfully, it’s not really a problem — doesn’t affect the appearance, and you can’t reach the ceiling to feel how rough it is. But how would one avoid this problem if they needed a smooth finish? If I sand I’ll wipe out some of the stain and it will look like crap. Should I have wet sanded before staining?
Replies
you can pre raise the grain. Once sanded lightly mist or wipe with a damp (not soaking) rag. This will raise the grain. Then lightly sand the fuzz with some 220+ paper or synthetic abrasive (not steel wool, it will rust and stain the wood when its topcoated with Water borne finishes) This can be done prior to staining, and is really needed prior to applying a water based stain/dye
The other option is to thin down your topcoat (3pts water to one part finish) to act as a sealer, then lightly sand the grain and then topcoat.
Or instead of using water based products, use oil based, they don't normaly raise the grain.
Adam
if you use a WB stain and a WB top coat, I seal with a layer of Seal-cote after staining, it keeps the top coat from pulling up the stain.
ALWAYS preraise grain, no matter what you are using, it does two things..one, shows any sanding flaws, and 2 removes previous coarser grit that may still be present,which defeats sanding with a finer grit..(read random scratches)
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
OK, I learned some things here. Now let's see if I can remember any of it the next time I have a stain-and-varnish project five years from now.
In spite of the raised grain problem, I'm thankful for one definite advantage of the poly over standard varnish: If I had used regular varnish this week it would still be gummy, due to the humidity. I'd probably have to wait another month before things were dry enough do varnish.
hint: I add 2 capfulls of Japan drier to ea. qt. of varn. It really helps.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.