Staining Help Please

[thealfheim]

Hi Guys,

I finally found some time this weekend to return to my woodworking, and to an old project. I'm still building at this stage, but I'm thinking about how I want to finish it.

Its a cue case made out of pine. My plan is to stain it all quite dark (much like a mahogany). Ive cut a diamond inlay into the middle of the lid. I plan for that to remain the light-coloured pine.

I'm looking at staining in one pass, and applying a finish in a second pass. Most of my finishing experience has been with pre-mix stuff. One coat, and you're done. Far too easy.....

While I was up at the hardware store today, I noticed they had some "Feast Watson Prooftint". There's a lack of specific directions, so I'm at a bit of a loss as to what I'd do with it.....

What I (think) I'd ideally like is something like a water-based stain, which will quickly and evenly stain large areas. Does the Prooftint become a water-based stain when mixed with water? Or am I best looking elsewhere?

Could anyone offer any help/suggestions in how to approach this task?

Many Thanks
-TheAlfheim

(Apologies if this was too large of a post)

[MICKYG]

Hi

The product you mention is alcohol based not water.

Regards Mike

[thealfheim]

Thanks for that Mike!

I re-read my finishing book last night. It recomends water-based stains for raw timber if you're doing it in two steps......

Are there any easy-to-use water-based stains which are easily available in Sydney?

Or do you guys think water based staining is not the way to go?

Cheers,
TheAlfheim