| FAQ: Colored Stains and Custom Accents |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-604 |
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Q: I'm using birch plywood to make cabinets for our living room. How can I make them more interesting than just a stain and finish? A: (Bruce Johnson, Woodworking Expert) Birch is a wood lacking a dynamic grain pattern. To make it more interesting, think beyond the realm of brown-toned stains. For example, I used a red water-based stain to give this cabinet interest (figure A). I also stained the knobs yellow, and used sandpaper to remove a small amount of the stain from the corners and edges to give it an antique appearance. I also applied a stencil, which you might consider doing on your own cabinet. Select a stencil that you like, then spray the back of it with temporary adhesive to hold it in place. Press into place, then use a craft sponge to apply water-based stain. Blot excess stain from the sponge onto an old rag before dabbing the stain within stencil borders (this will provide a cleaner edge) More Viewer Questions . . . Q: I want to use my router to make signs for our house. I can't find any interesting pre-cut stencils and I'm not very good at freehand lettering. What do I do? A: If you have a home computer -- or access to one -- this is a great use for all the fonts that come pre-loaded into many of your software programs. Select a font you like, print the words you need, then enlarge the print on a copier until it's the desired size. Once you've done that, tape carbon paper to your work surface, then layer the print over it. Use a pen or stylus to trace the letters (figure B). The carbon paper will transfer the letter to your work surface, where you can then use the router to cut the letters. Q: It seems like no matter what kind of wood I'm staining, the end grain always turns too dark. What's the secret to a lighter stain? A: To remedy this, very lightly apply a thin finish -- a wipe-on poly- or tung oil -- to seal the ends. Allow it to dry, then apply your regular stain. You will be able to see the difference this method can create.
RESOURCES :
Minwax Accent Stains in Antique Red, Hunter Green,Midnight Blue and Golden Harvest
Minwax Company (full name: The Thompson Minwax Company)
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458-1934
Phone: 201-818-7500
Fax: 201-818-7605
Website: www.minwax.com
Minwax® Company
Minwax Company (full name: The Thompson Minwax Company)
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458-1934
Phone: 201-818-7500
Fax: 201-818-7605
Website: www.minwax.com
The Complete Manual of Woodworking
Author: Albert Jackson
Publisher: Knopf
ISBN: 0679766111
Woodworking With the Router: Professional Router Techniques and Jigs Any Woodworker Can Use
Model: 0762102276
Author: Bill Hylton
(1999)
Readers Digest
Pleasantville, NY 10570-0235
Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish
Model: 0762101911
Author: Bob Flexnor
Great Wood Finishes: A Step-By-Step Guide to Consistent and Beautiful Results
Model: 1561582883
Author: Jeff Jewitt
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