What is the best stain to use for unpainted birch? I am thinking of buying a really nice unfinished birch wood bathroom cabinet. It is solid wood and very well made. I want to stain the wood dark expresso, which is dark brown to almost black. A granite top should look really nice on it. Anyway, does anyone having any suggestions? I am thinking it would be good to buy a stain that has the polyurethane coating mixed into for a semi-gloss finish. What is the easiest way to stain? Bear in mind I SUCK at woodworking. Abner
DON'T buy or use the combination stain and poly. Should you mess up or need to change the shade you will have a heck of a mess. I use Minwax or equivalent stain. Apply light coats until it is the shade you want. Get some 600 or 100 grit sandpaper and lightly sand between coats as the stain will raise the grain. DON'T use steel wool as the fine particles of steel will embed in the wood and rust as the poly is applied. For application use a good brush and a lint free cloth to wipe away the excess. Keep in mind the longer you wait before wiping the darker the stain. Before you stain anything make sure that the cabinet is made of stain grade and not paint grade veneer. When apply the poly use the same grade of sandpaper for finishing until its smooth. Use sparingly. Last word, patience is a virtue. Good luck
Abner, Kevin gives some good advice. I just have a few things to add. 1. Watch the short video on DIY network on wood finishes at http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/woodworking 2. Try to get some scrap birch wood to practice on. While finishing is a rather forgiving process, it helps to practice first. Also, you can try different finishes until you find one you are happy with. 3. Birch is a softwood. I recommend that you use MinWax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. This will fill the porous wood material so the stain will apply evenly. Good luck,
Abner, I don't recommend it because of the possibility of runs and the hazards with aerosols. But if you are good with a spray can then spraying is a better method. If you decide to spray get one of these: spray can handle I also recommend you get a good set of eye protection and a filter mask for the fumes. Unless of course you also own a magic bus.
Personally, I would not use a spray-on poly. The brush-on or wipe-on poly finishes are better and are easier to control runs and drips.
Thanks Kevin and NGC. My wife and I are going to buy the cabinet and a really nice granite counter top. We also need to shop for some nice marble flooring. Should come out really nice. I am getting excited. Have a good weekend, Abner
