Staining Wood

[lizhoare]

I have just bought a waxed pine tv unit and want to stain it a very dark oak colour. Can anyone tell me the best way to do it to achieve professional looking results? Would it be better to wax it or stain it?

[SirOracle]

Why did you buy a pine unit if you wanted a dark oak one ?

I would think that your best solution is to return it to the shop and exchange it for a dark oak one,if you want a professional looking result.

[stuey]

I really don't know what you mean by a "waxed" unit. Staining wood to a "professional" appearance is not a simple matter to the amateur. Staining wood involves so many variables such as the actual type of wood, the hardness, the grain, etc, etc. The item has to be completely stripped, sanded with various grit sandpaper, and prepped. Then you have to decide if you want oil based, water based, or gel stain. And then, what kind of finish do you want to apply to the stain, if any? I am no expert on the subject: however, I've done a few projects, and to obtain a "professional" type of appearance is not just like slapping on a coat of paint. Wait for further opinions, if any, and you'll see what I mean. To make a long story short, SirOracle might have the best solution.

[SirOracle]

Thank you stuey.

[stuey]

SirOracle, discussing staining wood, I have discovered, is akin to discussing what is the best recipe for shepherd's pie:)

[SirOracle]

LOL stuey....but a hell of a lot more difficult to do properly than making shepherds pie.

[stuey]

Goodnight, SirO; it's time for bed. You're up late, or early: it's 11pm for me.

[SirOracle]

Couldn't sleep so got up to have a cup of tea.

[stuey]

PS: I forgot to mention that the unit that the OP purchased is quite probably veneer, so staining, if that's the case, is out of the question...Anyway, I'm gone, see you.

[espookid]

Hi
I suppose you have tiome to tyhink now but I think Stuey is basically wrong !
Provided you are sure it is a wax finish-it is just a case of cleaning with a spirit to get any grease/ contamination off and using a really dark jacobean oak wax .It is probably the easiest finish to obtain as you can apply layer after layer and without sanding and all it needs is elbow grease ,the more rubbing you do the deeper the finish
Definitely do not stain it on top off wax ,about that I agree entirely and that is where you would need to strip everything off so don't go there but the waxing is quite easy go to you tube it must be on there

[ummmm]

I've done it. Clean it as espookid says, give it a sand and then I used a stain (I can't remember the brand) you'd never know they weren't bought like that. 10 years later decorating my sons bedroom and he asked for furniture like mine....

SirO....maybe it's second hand and Liz is upcycling....

[The Builder]

I think everyone's pretty much covered it, Liz.

For staining - remove all wax, either by stripping or sanding.
Otherwise - coloured Beeswax is the way to go.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/liberon-black-bison-paste-wax-dark-oak-500ml/5796f

[stuey]

Ooops, SirOracle; I guess we've been outvoted:)

[SirOracle]

I would not argue with the Builder stuey,as I have always found his professional advice to be superb.

All that I can say in my defence (as an average DIY person ),is that getting
a professional finish,as the OP requires,would be beyond my capabilities.

[The Builder]

Sir O, that's very kind of you to say so :o)

At one time, a "Professional" finish would probably involve shellac, or maybe French Polish. I couldn't get anywhere near that either!

Plenty of far-eastern companies finish timber products simply in coloured wax today. It's really only a case of what people are willing to accept. The main difference with the mass-produced product is that finishing is mechanised. To get the same result at home, it just needs more physical work.

[stuey]

I think that I latched on to the term "professional looking" and became perhaps a little to verbose. Anyway, I still say that there is tremendous amount of skill, science, and art involved in achieving a so called "professional " appearance. I'm sure that The Builder has come across myriad situations in which a DIYer claims to have done an excellent job on some project. Good luck, lizhoare, and enjoy the result...That's the good thing about doing this type of stuff.

[lizhoare]

Thank you espookid and The Builder. I removed the wax finish bought some Jacobean wax and so far have applied 3 coats and it is looking superb! It needs to be a bit darker so will apply more coats tomorrow! The reason I bought a pine one rather than a dark oak one Sir Oracle was because I couldn't get the style I wanted in the dark oak! Thank you all once again.

[SirOracle]

Yes still living in the age of shellac and French polish, Builder.

I reluctantly have to accept that I am a dinosaur. Old age doesn't come alone. :-)