Stain for the Stand

[FranktheTankTx]

Any good suggestions for stain? I'm thinking of settling for the Red Mahogany. It looks nice & I don't mind the red, but something just a little darker with a slight touch of red would be better.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[billdogg]

Because it is a personal choice, nobody will be able to decide better than you. To see a lot of options, go to a sherwin-williams paint store or similar and take a look at the options available.

Personally, I like Cherry

 

[mcgyvr]

What wood?
If a soft wood (pine/birch/maple) use a pre-stain conditioner for a much better/even finish.

 

[FranktheTankTx]

Stand is oak - maybe red. I like that dark wood with a hint of red.

Suggestions right down to the specific stain would be great!

 

[Brian Peterson]

I like Minwax "Red Chestnut" it gives a more bazilian cherry look. I really like coming from one that to struggled with stain choices and finding "reds" way to intense. Good luck!

 

[mcgyvr]

Just the Minwax basic stain in the color you like and Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane for the top coat.
Will last forever.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Because it is a personal choice, nobody will be able to decide better than you. To see a lot of options, go to a sherwin-williams paint store or similar and take a look at the options available.

+1 ^^^^^^^^

If there are no samples that match what you want it is OK to mix stains of the same type.

To get a really accurate read on the colors, prep a sample board just like you'll do to the stand (sanding, sealers, etc) then try your test stains and finally the finish.

OCD? Sure. That's why the 'wood' in my user name!

 

[billdogg]

+1 ^^^^^^^^

If there are no samples that match what you want it is OK to mix stains of the same type.

To get a really accurate read on the colors, prep a sample board just like you'll do to the stand (sanding, sealers, etc) then try your test stains and finally the finish.

OCD? Sure. That's why the 'wood' in my user name!

Great minds think alike!

You're OCD??? I've got test strips of every wood I use with pretty much every stain color I might use on a piece of nylon line - probably 50+ and counting.

 

[FranktheTankTx]

Ya. I picked up a piece of red oak yesterday & tested out a couple different stains... Of course, I'm a complete rookie when it comes to staining.

I'm working with the aquarium builder to get this right.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Ya. I picked up a piece of red oak yesterday & tested out a couple different stains... Of course, I'm a complete rookie when it comes to staining.

I'm working with the aquarium builder to get this right.

Don't forget to apply finish! If it's something like an oil poly the color will change. Oil based polys are a bit yellow.

Even if it's water based the look will be different.

And lastly, to take the OCD to the max, you'd want to view the samples in the room. Lighting can effect color too!

 

[dmh8801]

Ok, I'm just going to say, i HATE staining wood to get a certain color. But in most cases I'm just to cheap (or cant afford) to spend money on high dollar wood to get what I'm looking for.


Two coats of Red Mahogany on Birch and Pine with satin oil based poly.

View attachment 284696

 

[FranktheTankTx]

^^^ Now that looks good! That's what I'm going for.

I spoke to the aquarium builder & discussed 2 coats of red mahogany to darken the finish. I think this is the look I'm shooting for.

 

[Indymann99]

Cabinet grade Poplar with Chocolate over Cherry stain and satin finish.

 

[FranktheTankTx]

That's really nice!

 

[dmh8801]

^^^ Now that looks good! That's what I'm going for.

I spoke to the aquarium builder & discussed 2 coats of red mahogany to darken the finish. I think this is the look I'm shooting for.

Thanks, it's a nice looking color (IMO). It looks a lot better in good light. Has kind of an old antique look/color to it. I'm not sure if other companies have another color with the same name but this was minwax brand.

I have some other pictures i took right after I finished it. They were taken in my workshop with much better light. I just have to try and get them off an old phone.

Indymann,that's some nice looking stuff!

 

[dmh8801]

Here it is in better light.

 

[FranktheTankTx]

I like both of y 'all colors.

dmh - that's 2 coats of red mahogany minwax?

 

[d0ughb0y]

after staining, you may want to coat with (marine) spar varnish for protection from saltwater.

 

[dmh8801]

dmh - that's 2 coats of red mahogany minwax?

Yes, two coats and then oil based satin polyurethane on top of that.

 

[ndrwater]

Just a short not to all of you regarding stain. If you stain an un-sanded piece of solid wood or plywood, whatever the species, the color will look much different from a properly sanded piece. I suggest sanding with progressively finer grits to at least 220 grit before staining.
Secondly, a word of warning about woods such as Maple or Alder. Without wood conditioner being applied prior to staining, the finish can appear blotchy.
Just a tip of two from somebody who does this for a living...

Hope this helps.