Post-Cat Finishing Schedule for Rough Surfaces
Solving a complex tinting and adhesion problem: using a post-catalyzed finish with gel stain on rough timbers. June 30, 2009
Question
I am currently refinishing doors that were sandblasted and lightly stained. The customer wants it darker. I have put ML Campbell dye stain, Krystal, gel stain, Krystal. Should I have any problems? Also there are some beams to do inside they were not sandblasted but are really rough. Will not sanding cause issues down the road. The beams have already had a previous coat of stain and clear.
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From the original questioner:
I have used the products before I just haven’t done it the wrong way before - the sanding that is.
From contributor G:
The short answer is absolutely. If you put on successive coats within two hours of the previous coating it will burn in. However this is not recommended by MLC, they insist that all coats should be sanded prior to recoating. Putting a gel stain between coats of Krystal will likely be trouble later on.
From contributor Z:
It should go Krystal, gel, vinyl sealer, and then Krystal. Then you would be ok.
From contributor M:
I agree with contributor G and contributor Z. Vinyl sealer for sure. A post cat like crystal needs a mechanical bond to adhere to. By not sanding you do not get a mechanical bond.
From the original questioner:
Thanks for the input I will make sure to do so. Feels pointless to sand such a rough surface and not get it smooth. It turns out the beams were sandblasted and clear sealer same as the doors. Now the homeowner has added 50 door jams to be completed real soon.
From contributor G:
It may fell rough to your fingers, but the surface of the coating is still hard and smooth. The second coats of Krystal need something mechanical to adhere to. It will not burn in like regular nitro.
From the original questioner:
Why did he say that gel stain is not good sandwich between Krystal. What should I have used if not gel? With the gel I can get it dark enough with one coat instead of two with glaze.
From contributor G:
You should have sandwiched the gel stain in between two coats of vinyl sealer. This is the way MLC recommends doing glazes. And if you are applying a stain in between two coats of product with no wood absorption this is a good recommendation.
