What kind of stain should I use?

Question

I bought a used pub table and a couple of stools. I want to stain them black. What's a good kind of stain to use? Is there something I am supposed to do prior to applying the stain? I don't know what kind of wood it is.

Answer 1

I would use Colron.

The colour Jacobean Oak is very dark - probably the blackest stain I have seen unless they have brought out another one.

It tells you what to do on the tin but as an idea I would rub down the existing "finish", apply the stain, and when it was properly dry I would then varnish it with Yacht Varnish.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

go to www.minwax.com

sand it down as much as you can,,then wipe it/wash it clean, let it dry, then apply. lots of debate of oil base versus water based products,,for interior use,,either will do,,oil base is probably more durable, will hold up better longer

Answer 3

I stained a dresser years ago, and the biggest things I remembered were to really sandpaper the thing.  REALLY sandpaper it.  Don't miss a bit.

And stir, stir, stir the stain.  If not, it comes out streaky.  I'm a bit impatient, so I had streaky areas.

If it's a question of brand, you can ask at Lowe's or Home Depot, or just look at price.  In most paints and stains, you really do get what you pay for!