Can I change the color of my cedar chest?
April 27, 2015 6:00 PM Subscribe
I have a Lane cedar chest that was given to me in 1995 that is very similar looking to this. It has a light brown oak finish on it but I would like to stain it a deeper brown/red. Is there a wood stain that can be applied over the existing finish? Basically I would like to know if it is possible to just apply something and not sand it down first. Thanks!
I would suggest going for a lighter stain, and layering it a few times to achieve the desired effect.
Perhaps try on the bottom, or under a piece of hardware, to start and see if you like it before committing in full.
http://www.minwax.com/how-to-finish-wood/change-stain-color-with-polyshades/
posted by nickggully at 6:34 PM on April 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
Perhaps try on the bottom, or under a piece of hardware, to start and see if you like it before committing in full.
http://www.minwax.com/how-to-finish-wood/change-stain-color-with-polyshades/
posted by nickggully at 6:34 PM on April 27, 2015 [1 favorite]
to clarify nickgully's suggestion - since your chest is already finished, stain won't soak into the wood. Polyshades is essentially pigmented polyurethane, that can be applied over an existing finish. The result may not be as "transparent" as a pure stained wood finish, but it is probably your best alternative without stripping.
posted by mr vino at 7:52 PM on April 27, 2015
posted by mr vino at 7:52 PM on April 27, 2015
It would really depend on what was used to finish the wood the first time.
For instance, if it was polyurethane, then break out the sandpaper because nothing is going to stick.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 8:33 PM on April 27, 2015
For instance, if it was polyurethane, then break out the sandpaper because nothing is going to stick.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 8:33 PM on April 27, 2015
Response by poster: I did the cotton Ball/acetone test from the polyshades website, and based on the test results, my chest is finished with "varnish, lacquer or shellac." So polyshades is out. Anybody know what might work?
posted by long haired child at 9:18 PM on April 27, 2015
posted by long haired child at 9:18 PM on April 27, 2015
Shellac sticks well to just about everything. You can tint shellac with aniline dye which comes in many colors. You would do a couple coats of tinted shellac for color. Then let that dry for a couple days, then a couple coats of thicker shellac, untinted, to seal it. If you don't seal it and use a high concentration of dye it, can bleed off the piece on to your hand or clothes.
Definitely test it on the bottom to check the color before you do the whole piece. You will want your process completely planed out before you apply finish to the whole piece so you know what it will look like, how it will adhere and what quantities of finishing products you will need.
If you are concerned about a finish not sticking you can do an adhesion test. Score a 1/2" square on your test patch and then put a piece of scotch tape over it, press it down, let it sit 30 minutes and then pull it off. If the tape doesn't pull up the finish then it is sticking well enough.
If you buy aniline dye in powered form it can get everywhere when you mix it up, ware a dust mask and do it in the basement. Or just by it as a concentrate mixed in alcohol already.
You can buy shellac and dye at woodworking specialty stores or amazon.
posted by bdc34 at 6:29 AM on April 28, 2015
Definitely test it on the bottom to check the color before you do the whole piece. You will want your process completely planed out before you apply finish to the whole piece so you know what it will look like, how it will adhere and what quantities of finishing products you will need.
If you are concerned about a finish not sticking you can do an adhesion test. Score a 1/2" square on your test patch and then put a piece of scotch tape over it, press it down, let it sit 30 minutes and then pull it off. If the tape doesn't pull up the finish then it is sticking well enough.
If you buy aniline dye in powered form it can get everywhere when you mix it up, ware a dust mask and do it in the basement. Or just by it as a concentrate mixed in alcohol already.
You can buy shellac and dye at woodworking specialty stores or amazon.
posted by bdc34 at 6:29 AM on April 28, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Oyéah at 6:31 PM on April 27, 2015