I back into this project, one of those as long as your here and I’m thinking how hard can it be…. oak arch top two panel screen door. Let go for much longer than it should have, weathered on panels and edges, top half was still somewhat protected. Sand down and stained came out very blotchy, used varnish stripper, stain, blotchy, just today I used citrus striper, complete sand and before I loose what hair I have…HELP
Should i use pre-stain? Wiping or penetrating stain will use spar varnish to cover. Grain is very pronounced.
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At this point i wouldn't really stain it. Seal it with something and then coat it with a transparent coat of something. that way it will be uniform.
Will Rogers
Edited 8/27/2009 8:11 pm by popawheelie
I get the feeling you are not removing or nutralizing the stripper enough. Try re wetting ( water) and when the grain is dried and raised re sanding again. You may some strippers use wax to slow the evap, like Zip Strip. I know ya did it again, but you may still have wax.
Now use a 50/50 coat of Zinnser's Seal Coat and alcohol. Sand that LIGHTLY and stain, thats your pre stain that will contain any wax contaminates. Use a wipe on GEL stain and when dry, nail it again with the seal coat, THEN the Spar Varn. Other wise the brushing can smear the stain around and make it splotchy. Spraying, that won't be an issue.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"
Jed Clampitt
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thanks, after striping w/ citrus i wiped w/ mineral spirits. then sanded
why gel stains? ok for exterior door? i'm not familar with the zinser product you rec. whats the typical application?
The sealcote is brushed or sprayed and encapsulates contaminants and also pre-fills unruly or open grain to limit the stain pigments from glomming on there and having a dark party in the micro scopic nooks and crannies.
After a scuffing with say 220 or maroon scotchbrite, you create the nooks and crannies and if you did that right, they are more equal. Now the pigment in the gel can't soak or run and hide from your deft removal rag. Leave more stain on the denser wood and wipe up the stain on the areas that grab more. You have more time to play with a gel generally.
And as with any stain that will top coated by a similar finish ( water base, oil base) and a BRUSH, it never hurts to use the sealer again as a barrier coat. Just don't undo the care you used by scrubbing with the brush, lay it on and leave it alone.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt
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