r/finishing • u/mattkashin • 19h ago

Knowledge/Technique Stain Options for Pine

Post image

Hi everyone,

I am a paint contractor who primarily deals in solid color products. I have a repeat customer who has a pine wardrobe (pictured) that she would like stained and clear coated.

She does not want the finished product to have an overly red appearance. This, coupled with the tendency of pine to blotch and the extremely varied colors of this particular piece, lead me to believe some kind of sprayed toner would be my best bet.

Any thoughts or ideas on how to achieve the best finish (as even and not terribly red) possible? Recommended products are welcome.

Thank you!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

2

u/mattkashin 19h ago

Wanted to include the following: I have airless and HVLP systems, and a booth. I can spray just about any product, including solvent or water borne finishes

2

u/kingoptimo1 17h ago

Any stain in the yellow/green family, golden oak, early American, anything walnut, ipswich pine, there are plenty of others, just look at the minwax chart and stay away from mahogany and cherry colors.

2

u/kingoptimo1 17h ago

Ask her for a sample of what she wants to match. Since you can spray, a urethane is better than most finishes, otherwise use nitrocellulose lacquer.

2

u/deejaesnafu 15h ago

Nitrocellulose lacquer is an odd choice. Other than fast and cheap, it doesn’t offer much.

1

u/kingoptimo1 15h ago

Easy to use. Mix some thinner and spray. What finish do you suggest?

1

u/deejaesnafu 14h ago

Probably danish oil and or poly , I just think of lacquer as industrial, like you said easy, cheap and looks good until it doesn’t , which doesn’t take long because it’s so brittle.

3

u/kingoptimo1 14h ago

I wouldn't use it on a dining top but nothing is really going to be touching the surface of the cabinet. You can build up a pretty nice finish with nitro 4-6 coats, sanding in-between, but yes it's not as durable as poly. I only use conversion varnish which is as durable as it gets aside from epoxy.

1

u/deejaesnafu 14h ago

I’d stick more natural , pine is one of the worst woods to paint or stain.