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Staining a wood top

Varinn

Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Messages
15
Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hi guys,

This may not be the place to turn to but there are many talented people around here. Girlfriend and I have decided to put a large "built-in" computer desk in the theater room of our new house so we picked up two 61"x29.5" solid beech "butcher blocks" that we're planning to install side by side.

We're aiming for a colour like this (Note that the counter's here are oak, treated with MINWAX pre conditioner and stained with MINWAX dark walnut #2716)
http://stillwaterstory.blogspot.ca/2011/06/how-to-stain-butcher-block-countertops.html

(Pictures turned out to be massive, so I'm linking them instead)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BxvqVqgcgc/Tfe88RIV7QI/AAAAAAAAAn0/rergIrKqlSI/s1600/ctop+4.JPG

This is what we are starting with, according to the ikea website the blocks are treated with oil, but they feel dry and unfinished to the touch.
http://thejohnreed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2015-01-30-20.43.13-Copy.jpg


Everywhere I look I'm seeing different recommendations on how to stain this thing. Apparently beech has a propensity to blotch when not done correctly. Everyone agrees, sand with 220grit and up. After that it all goes wildly out of control, some say absolutely no gels, it must be oil based stain. Others say no oils, it must be gel based. Some say to use a pre stain conditioner, others say it will not be necessary. What would everyone recommend??
 
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rlitman

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 18, 2010
Messages
24,581
Location
Long Island
I had that exact butcher block countertop for years. It comes pre oiled, and I do not believe it can be stained.
 
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tarbellb

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2011
Messages
5,737
Location
Oregon
Why not just test on the bottom first?

I have used those tops from Ikea before, great price for bb. They also sell a darker version of those, I believe its in the Kitchen countertops section. Might be a better solution?

Personally, I would sand down with 120/180/240 then test. I also think they use a oil based finish for those, same as the bottle they sell. Tung oil?
 
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