Question about staining

F

Fox16

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Mar 18, 2009
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I am restoring a wooden boat. The wood is pine. I wanted to stain it to make it a little darker. Few Questions.

What is a good stain to use? ( I bought minwax)

Also, and this probably depends on the brand of stain, do I need to apply a coat of wood sealer, after staining, but before varnishing?

Here are some pics.
http://s622.photobucket.com/albums/tt310/fox16/
 
B

Bass Man Bruce

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Re: Question about staining

Pine is a surprising wood to use in boat building (to me) as it rots very easily.
Minwax is a very good product for indoor use. Can't say about weather exposed, though I doubt if that makes any difference.
I've always used spar varnish on any wood on my boats. It has held up well but does require maintenance.
I have to guess there are some sealants made specifically for wood boats.
Good luck!
 
Lion hunter

Lion hunter

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Re: Question about staining

There is also a pretreatment to use with pine before you stain. Pine is not consistent in how it takes stain. Put that stuff on and it will take the stain evenly.

edit: I just looked at the pics and it sure doesn't look like pine. The knot holes are similar to doug fir. Are you sure that it's pine?
 
G

gcboat

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Re: Question about staining

When staining pine you should seal the lumber before any stain or other top coat. Pine is a very soft wood and due to that it will absorb stain very unevenly.
Minwax is probably as good a stain as you'll get. Just decide if you want the gel or liquid. Keep at least a gallon of mineral spirits and a lot of rags close by.
Remember that your finished results are dependant on your initial steps.
And yes, pictures of the finished job are mandatory !!:D
 
Lion hunter

Lion hunter

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Re: Question about staining

I was going to add that I'll bet it's a high grade face (outside) and a fir back.
 
F

Fox16

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Re: Question about staining

Thanks for the replies Lion Hunter and gcboat. I will definately post finished project pics.

Im stuck right now on whether to stain or not. you are right it is not pine. I believe the plywood is doug fir, but What about the wood on the bow? any idea?

In regards to staining: Should I use oil or water based stain? I wanted to make sure the polyurethane varnish will adhere properly.

The part that is pine, I beleive are the rails, however, those will be painted. I didnt take a good picture of the rails, so it might be hard to see.
 
Rickairmedic

Rickairmedic

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Re: Question about staining

Fox on the oil/water based question I would see what the manufacturer says and I would also stick to one manufacturer on all products IE stain and poly vanrnish.


Rick
 
Lion hunter

Lion hunter

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Re: Question about staining

I agree with ^^^^ stick with one brand and if there is ever any question about compatibility you can call customer service. I am unsure about the bow wood. The knot holes are pretty indicative of fir as well. Although considered a soft wood when you see the small knot holes in fir that means it was a slow grower, probably harvested from a dry region somewhere in the west. Though not a hard wood they do rival them in durability and longevity when they grow slow like that. Good luck, it's a great looking boat.
 
F

Fox16

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Re: Question about staining

Thank for all the advice. I decided not to stain but rather to stick with the natural color of the wood. I will post final pics when finished
 
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