Oil over stain?

[Jon Rista]

I've been working on some candlestick holders the last few days. I had a particular look and feel in mind, where the top and bottom of the candlestick were left natural wood, and then the sides were stained. I'm using these Varethane "Premum" 1-Coat wood stains, that are kind of milky and flat colors. Such as Antique White, Vintage Aqua, Carbon Gray, Worn Navy, Foghorn, etc. They are not your normal stains, really...they have more pigment. I had hoped for a slightly thinner finish with them, but I think I can sand them back very lightly to get a slightly more translucent look. Once I do that, though....

When it comes to handling, I am not really sure if the stain alone, will hold up well to handling? If not, is it possible to use an oil finish (in my case, I'd want to use Tung oil) over the top of a stain finish? I've never done that, and not sure if the oils might cause problems with the stain. The can states that the stain uses "nano-pigments and soya oil", so they are oil-based stains. Maybe since the stain is oil based, that will be good enough for handling? I suspect they could be handled a bit by potential customers, since they are candlestick holders, and candles would need to be swapped out periodically regardless, maybe also seasonally.

Oh, I guess that's another factor. I am not sure how the stain might hold up, to dripped wax. The Tung oil I know is quite water resistant/proofing, and I used it on the bare wood parts of these candlesticks to provide a barrier between any dripped wax and the wood. I was kind of thinking the same thing, for overcoating the stain. (At the same time, I kind of like the flat look of the stain...and now I wonder if overcoating the stain with Tung oil would ruin that look and feel...)

 

[Russell Nugent]

The only way to know for sure, is to put some stain down on a test piece and then try it.

 

[Darryl Fective]

If you have time, (not working under a deadline) making up some sample pieces might really be helpful. You could try thinning the stain or wiping it away before it has soaked in deep or dried. You could also look at how different finishes react to being over the stain.

A satin or flat polyurethane might provide protection with the look/feel you're looking for.

 

[Bob Sheppard]

Does Varethane have any customer service? If so, it may be worth a call to see it their Premium is compatible with a tung oil finish

 

[Tim Connell]

As the stain is oil based you should be fine with the tung oil. The tung oil, will also slightly darken the stain and wood. As mentioned above, do some tests samples before proceeding further to make sure you get the look you desire.

BTW, take a look again on the stain instructions. Many times it will mention dry times as well as suggestions for top coating.

 

[Jon Rista]

Did some tests. I don't like the stain covered in the oil. Just doesn't look right. I think I'll keep these candlestick holders as they are, with the tung oil only on the bare wood parts, and leave the stain just the stain. The tung oil takes on a lot shiner appearance over teh stain, than on just the bare wood. I'm guessing its probably related to the "nanoparticles" of the stain, which have probably filled the grain and pores pretty well, so the oil just films over on top.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

I have never used a stain with Tung oil as it has its own properties to enhance turnings. I have used lacquer and polyurethane over stains and dyes and both work well. Just test for color if it is important to achieve a particular color. All hard shell finishes will have an affect on the light or dark of a piece as well as yellowing over many years.

 

[Jon Rista]

I have never used a stain with Tung oil as it has its own properties to enhance turnings. I have used lacquer and polyurethane over stains and dyes and both work well. Just test for color if it is important to achieve a particular color. All hard shell finishes will have an affect on the light or dark of a piece as well as yellowing over many years.

Yeah, the tung oil really did not look good over this stain. I like the flat look of the stain on its own, so I'm sticking with that.

I have never actually combined oil or any other finish over stain before, either. Was curious if it would work...mostly was thinking about wax drip, and if that might eventually ruin the stain...but, it completely changes the look, and IMO it really did not look very good. There was some yellowing, which kind of ruined the neutral nature of the gray of this particular stain. Some of the stains are bluer, and would probably "green" a bit with an oil (or even ultra blond shellac) overcoat. The white stain is quite white, and would undoubtedly yellow over time. Bleh. Not what I want.

Maybe a lacquer overcoat might do...but, I am not skilled spraying on lacquer. I keep meaning to figure out how to use lacquer effectively, and some people have given me tips. But, I never quite have the time to try. Some day, I'll see if those tips actually get me a good quality result. For now though, I'm just gonna stick with this stain as just a stain. It is oil based, and the nanoparticles seem to get into the wood pretty good, so I think it will be fine.

 

[hughie]

As long as the stain doesnt have any seal action. I probably would use a water based stain to be of the safe side