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Evening out stain

Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:26 pm
by buster
I am trying to even out the stain on a rusticated pipe with not much luck. Anyone have any tips.

Thanks
Mike

Re: Evening out stain

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:37 am
by eder
Gently application of Abrasive Buffs for Dremel ;)
I use those when I want to keep the briar bark and
remove only that thin black layer from its top.
Cheers,
eder

• • •
Image Eder Mathias
http://mrhydepipes.com

Re: Evening out stain

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:18 am
by KurtHuhn
Got a picture of what you're talking about?

I haven't rusticated a pipe in years, ever since getting my sandblasting setup, but when I stain a sandblasted pipes, I never worry about even staining. Some areas of the briar will absorb more stain than others, that's just the nature of the wood. And in fact, it can add visual interest in a lot of cases.

Re: Evening out stain

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 1:42 pm
by buster
I think that might be it Kurt. I've tried alcohol and shellac and neither of those helped. I'ts just that some spots seem more than just a little bit darker than the rest of the pipe they are quite a bit darker.

Re: Evening out stain

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 3:10 pm
by KurtHuhn
What stain are you using?

Re: Evening out stain

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 3:31 pm
by buster
I am using brown mahogany TransTint dye cut with denatured alcohol.

Re: Evening out stain

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 3:42 pm
by KurtHuhn
Is it possible that the overall mix/cut is very light? In that case, the more absorbent parts of the wood will absorb more stain and the contrast will be pronounced. A very light stain can be used to accentuate natural variegation in smooth, as well as rusticated finishes. Laying on more of a light stain won't necessarily reduce the contrast either.

Re: Evening out stain

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:16 pm
by ToddJohnson
Use darker stain. Otherwise you'll essentially get contrast staining as the more porous parts of the wood suck up more of the stain than the less porous ones.

TJ

Re: Evening out stain

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 2:38 pm
by buster
Next time I'll make the stain darker. It's hard to mix in small batches the ratio is 1 part dye to 32 parts water or alcohol. I just kind of eyeballed it.