Some years ago, the Varathane Company came out with a new line of stains that has a soya bean oil base.

 

One of their claims was that the soya bean oil base in the stains resulted in better clarity and more vivid colors.  So I tested some.

 

Here's an image of six different stains I applied and finished to get a "clarity" comparison.  They are:

 

Red Mahogany

Cabernet

Cherry

Golden Oak

Red Chestnut

 

Compare these colors with what you use.  I think you will find the Varathane stains to be just a tad clearer.   Samples are on 1/4" oak plywood with a rubbed-out Satin poly.

 

 

 

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Lare..

 

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Lare..

Thanks for showing Larry. Curious, how many coats did you apply? And did you have to let it soak in for a long period of time before wiping back to get it to take?

 

-Ace-

Two coats, then rub-out  with TreWax and 0000 steel wool after two days.

I apply the stain with a rag and wipe it immediately.  That way I can control the coloration better.

 

 

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Lare..

Larry, good information.  Thanks for posting this.  

 

SQ

 

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It it can't be fixed with glue and sawdust - it's not worth fixing.

I am not good at applying varathane or varnish. I make a big mess out of it every time.  I get drips and it looks horrible.  I'm apparently not skilled enough to use that stuff.   Anyone else have these problems, or is it just me?

 

SQ

 

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It it can't be fixed with glue and sawdust - it's not worth fixing.

Wipe it on with one of your old nylon socks. Dip the sock into a 75% - 25% mixture of poly and Mineral spirits. Using latex gloves, wring out the sock a little to minimize running and wipe on, moving quickly.

 

Practice on a scrap piece.  The method takes a little learning.  Works very well.  Ask Ron Dudleston

Larry

 

 

Larry, your samples do look really good!

Ok, let me see if I understand this: You dilute the poly with mineral spirits -  for example 3/4 cup poly and 1/4 cup mineral spirits? You do not use the poly straight from the container? This polyurethane and mineral spirits mixture - does it store well?  Or should I only mix what I am going to use at the time?

 

Polyurethane and Varathane - are they just different brands of basically the same stuff?  Also, what do you think of shellac?

 

SQ

Larry Jenkins said:

Wipe it on with one of your old nylon socks. Dip the sock into a 75% - 25% mixture of poly and Mineral spirits. Using latex gloves, wring out the sock a little to minimize running and wipe on, moving quickly.

 

Practice on a scrap piece.  The method takes a little learning.  Works very well.  Ask Ron Dudleston

Larry

 

 

I guess I should have asked you what you are finishing.. 

Only mix (mix well!) enough to finish what you are working on.  Should you have a lot left over, just pour it back into the can.

Before resealing the can, use a kleenex to wipe out the channel where the lid resides to get a good seal.

Larry 

Thought I might try it on a box that I've scrolled.  I don't plan to use a poly finish on plate or platter as water would eventually get under it from constant washing.  I would never use it on a bowl, either for the same reason.   

 

SQ

 

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It it can't be fixed with glue and sawdust - it's not worth fixing.