i have to stain 12 3’x4′ mahogany plywoodpanels with a recessed panelmouling. i am using mohawk wiping stain. used it before on smaller stuff with great results. the problem is you can’t let the stain sit more than a minute before you wipe it off with a clean rag. i will be using a rag (cheesecloth) to apply the stain but it will take me at least a couple of minutes to do one panel. i don’t have a sprayer. any recomendations before i start? thanks.
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You need to retard the drying time, or spray, or use something else. See if paint thinner or linseed oil will work to retard the drying time. The problem is this is a fast stain.
what is the situation with the molding? is it finished, or are there more steps to come?
i would protect the molding with wide painter's tape (does not need to be burnishe on into all curves; just tight where the molding meets the trim and loose but covering elsewhere)-- then i would roll on the stain with a 6" standard paint roller, good quality to reduce chance of nap lsnagging on the wood.
call the help line/service desk (phone number usually on the can) to ask what they recommend to extend workable time, as MarkH suggested. yopu probably could come up with something on your own, but the company will know what works best. i have always had wonderful help when i call a company; they want you to be satisfied.
This is the retarder for your stain
http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/catalog_browse.asp?ictNbr=257
thank you
<<any recomendations before i start?>>
Google?
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Wiping_Stain_Struggles.html
I'm actually doing some small raised panels right now, they are in the clamps. I stained the panels and applied a coat of sanding sealer before assembly. The frames will need sanding afterwards, so they are raw. I'm also using Mohawk wiping stain. It's very susceptible to marks from brush strokes, fingers, rags etc. when wet. You cannot just apply a little more stain to cover or blend them in. I'd be very careful of touching the surface with the other hand, whether holding a rag or not. I made that mistake, holding down with one hand and a rag, while wiping off with the other and had to re-stain the whole panel before it dried.
With your large panels, a pad may be fastest for applying. Put a good wet coat on. I would start wiping off the excess right away. You will need lots of rags so you aren't using wet ones. You can also use a non quilted paper towel, cheese cloth would not be my choice. I'm using Dura Coat pre-cat sanding sealer and apply that with a foam brush. It pretty much disappears but it will help keep fingerprints, etc. off. You may want to use a sealer that goes with your top coats.
The Mohawk wiping stain is very strong and you should wear a proper respirator, spraying or not, as soon as you open the can. It's a little tricky compared to something like Minwax but I like the results much better. You will need to be organized with plenty of room to work, good ventilation. The stain itself drys fast but the fumes stick around.
The retarder is a definite to do. I would also agree with using a quality roller.
You only have twelve panels, but try contacting your local rental store or paint store (i.e Sherwin Williams) to see if they rent sprayers.
You could use the sprayer for your finish as well.
Dave Otto -- Otto Construction -- PA