We built a Brookstone storage bed, using select pine. It's beautiful, we love it. Ok, loved it until I likely ruined it via two methods. One, I got a little wood filler crazy. When I stained it after sanding it, I just have a gross splotch. Secondly, I did not use a wood conditioner so there are a few spots of uneven color. Honestly, I don't mind that so much, but I'm really upset about the filler not taking the stain correctly. I went back and dotted it on hoping if it had more time to soak, it'd fill in, but no such luck. I'm using General Finishes in Brown Mahogany. I've only stained the top side rails that contain the mattress, so I'm hoping someone has some words of wisdom and can help salvage this project. I really don't want to paint this piece. Help!! TIA. -Tracy
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Tsu Dho Nimh
Sun, 05/22/2011 - 06:33
Can you replace the rails and
Can you replace the rails and start over on them?
"Stainable" wood filler only means that it will soak up stain - there are some that can't be stained. Most of them tend to 'grab" the stain and make dark splotches.
This stuff: http://www.epaintstore.com/bix/ is a powder that can be mixed with the stain to make a filler that matches almost anything.
1 - Use a pre-staining conditioner on the rest of the bed. Select or not, pine stains extremely unevenly.
2 - Make a test board with the filler and treat it exactly like the bed ... fill, sand, condition, stain ... to see how the filler will react.
If the filler is still grabbing the stain, seal the filled spots again with a small brush and test again in a fresh spot.
Ideally you want the filled spots to stain a bit lighter so you can take an artists brush and dab on a bit of stain at the final coat. I've even used acrylic paints to do a bit of faux graining over filler to make it blend in.
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PREVENTION: For nail holes, fill them AFTER staining with one of those furniture scratch repair crayons.
For big knots and dings, I just call them "rustic" and leave them alone.
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This video may be useful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjwgaADLr9w&feature=relmfu