HarryO Posted December 22, 2006 Share Posted December 22, 2006 With my new Wallrus (CornWALL/ChoRUS hybred) cabinets configured for the new drivers I am all but done with this project. It is Time for the cosmetics. I used Poplar plywood for the cabinets and I'm not sure where to start on staining the cabinets. I have a friend that restores vintage furniture but I'd like to keep her out of the mix on these. What is the best approach to getting a nice color base on the plywood? Any step by step would be appreciated. Thank you, HarryO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klipschaholik Posted December 22, 2006 Share Posted December 22, 2006 By staining I assume you are going to change the color. You also said Poplar plywood not birch right? If your staining you're going to want to use a sanding sealer first to tighten up the grain and prevent the fuzzy's from popping up. Then I would buy some small cans of what you think you will want to use and try these out on some scraps to be sure the color works with your wood before applying anything to your cabinets. Use a good grade like Minwax. Be sure to follow directions. Wipe on wipe off. I like using a rag to apply and to wipe off the staing. Repeat till you get the depth of color your looking for. You can darken but you can't lighten the color. After staining you'll need to decide what type of finish you want. poly, oil etc. Klipsh used boiled linseed on their oiled finishes which is nice. Some like the Watco Danish oil. I've used the minwax antique oil finish with good results. They all take time and repeated applications to get a nice finish with lite sanding or steel wooling in between coats. Take your time and you'll end up with a nice piece of work that will last a lifetime.[D] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryO Posted December 22, 2006 Author Share Posted December 22, 2006 Thank you. It goes with what I've been reading. I'm getting a good picture of the process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klipschaholik Posted December 23, 2006 Share Posted December 23, 2006 A reason I asked about your wood is because birch doesn't take stain evenly. That is one reason to use a sanding sealer. Also if you search this forum for veneering or reveneering you can see plenty of examples of wood finish suggestions from members who have posted their projects.[D] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted December 23, 2006 Share Posted December 23, 2006 Poplar is usually uses or painted projects, as it can have pretty weird greenish grain. Maybe yours is different. I'd be tempted to veneer the cabinets if you want a natural wood finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryO Posted December 23, 2006 Author Share Posted December 23, 2006 Thank you for the info. I had a cabinet maker build the cabinets. He builds high end cabinetry and is also an audio fanatic as are most of us. I'm looking for new or different ideas for something different/weird/out of the ordinary. I have a feeling someone has or had a project out here that produced some unusual results. To me it is just part of the fun of building my own and taking my audio pleasures to an individual level. I deal in audio equipment and see about everything made. Just keeping the Heritage sound with a breath of fresh air thrown in. Thanks for all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 I thought sanding sealer was for AFTER the staining process, to seal the wood grain so that it would not take so many finish coats of poly. But I've been wrong befor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 Your right Colter......... ...........also Poplar stained Walnut (a dark color) is a cheap alternative to real Walnut in homes..........looks like the real thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 that being said, there is some type of treatment that has been discussed here before. It's some way of evening out the oils in the wood to avoid the 'splotchiness' that occurs in Birch and would probably be a problem in Poplar as well. Anyone know what that is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arfandbark Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 That's the stuff, Fini! Stinky, but very effective... Follow the instructions on the can. I think it sez you need to apply stain within 1/2 hour of pre-staining. Then apply stain of choice. Give it plenty of time to dry (at least 24hrs) so the poly U doesn't smear the stain about too much. Cut first coat of poly U by approx 10% to allow better penetration of surface. Give it a day to dry. Sand with 220 grit to knock down raised grain. Wipe with tack cloth. Apply second coat of poly U. Repeat sanding and tack cloth steps. Wait another day. Apply third coat of poly U. I recently did this to some six panel pine doors and am very pleased with the results. I used minwax stain and quick dry satin poly U for the project. At three coats I had a slight "sheen" to the finish without it being glossy. It will get glossier with additional coats. My 2 cents worth, HarryO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arky Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 I used fini's reccommendation last week on some really light raw birch..great stuff. 2 applications darkened them up just enough I think i'll leave it alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted December 24, 2006 Share Posted December 24, 2006 That's the stuff, Fini! Stinky, but very effective... For a second there, I thought you were refering to me...[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryO Posted December 24, 2006 Author Share Posted December 24, 2006 Thanks, I'm using this on my LaScalas now. I used Parks 0819 wood bleach after stripping and sanding the ugly finish on them. Next comes the Pre-stain conditioner and color. Thanks, HarryO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klipschaholik Posted December 25, 2006 Share Posted December 25, 2006 Mybad, that is the right stuff to use before staining. Sanding sealer comes after.[:$][D] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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