I’m an owner-builder and have 18 or so Doug fir 6 panel doors to finish and install. I’ve tried a couple of stains (penetrating and gel) with and without conditioner and so far, haven’t found a darker color that has an even consistancy.
Two questions: What conditioner/colorant/sealer combination works well on Doug fir to produce a medium/dark to dark brown finish?
I’m running short on time. Is there a protective finish I could put on now (to protect from kids fingerprints (dirt)) so that I can finish the doors well when I have more time?
Thanks,
Mark
(I don’t know WHAT happened to my user name)
Replies
For the most part, if you put any sealer on the wood you'll have to sand it completely off to stain. Exceptions:
A thin coat of shelac is sometimes used to even out stain absorption in wood species that tend to stain unevenly.
A gel stain (which is really more of a paint) can be applied over a reasonably compatible sealer.