Note: This article is a transcription of a YouTube video by Alley Picked. The content has been rewritten and structured to provide a detailed understanding of the topic. Please refer to the video for a visual demonstration.
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you mixed oil-based stain with oil-based polyurethane and then applied it to wood? Would you get the same results as applying the stain first and then the poly? In this article, we will explore the experiment conducted by Alley Picked to test this scenario. The purpose is to find out if mixing stain and polyurethane yields the same outcome as using pre-mixed products, and if this method is acceptable.
The Experiment
Alley Picked set up an experiment using four glasses, each containing different combinations of polyurethane and stain. The first glass contained a 50/50 mixture of polyurethane and stain. The second glass had 75% polyurethane and 25% stain. The third glass contained straight polyurethane, which was used as a control baseline. The fourth glass contained a product called “Poly Shades” by Minwax, which is a one-step combined product. Alley Picked used a clean soft bristle brush to apply all the products.
Results:
- 50/50 Mixture: The 50/50 mixture resulted in good, even coverage on the wood.
- 75/25 Mixture: The 75/25 mixture was slightly lighter in color compared to the 50/50 mixture, but still acceptable.
- Straight Polyurethane: The straight polyurethane served as a control baseline and produced a standard finish.
- Poly Shades: The Poly Shades product, which combined stain and polyurethane, resulted in a finish similar to the 50/50 mixture.
After applying the different mixtures, Alley Picked allowed the products to dry to observe the final results.
Real-world Application
To further test the effects of mixing stain and polyurethane in a real-world scenario, Alley Picked visited the basement of a church with neglected wooden steps. The goal was to see if the mixture could improve the appearance of the worn-out steps. Rather than following the recommended process of removing the existing finish, sanding, staining, and applying multiple coats of polyurethane, Alley Picked decided to apply a mixture of one part stain and two parts polyurethane directly to the steps.
Results:
After sanding the steps and cleaning the dust, the stained polyurethane mixture was applied. While the wet finish showed some improvement, the color mismatch between the bare wood and the areas where the old finish was not completely removed was evident. Overall, the finish was not considered complete or satisfactory.
Additional Testing
In another experiment, Alley Picked tested the stain and polyurethane mixture on a reindeer Christmas card holder, aiming for a rustic and unfinished look. The initial test on the bottom of the holder showed promising results. However, after applying the mixture to the rest of the holder, the finish did not meet expectations. Alley Picked concluded that while the mixture can work in theory, it is not recommended for achieving a desirable finish.
Conclusion
Based on the experiment and real-world tests, Alley Picked has two main points to share:
- It is possible to mix stain and polyurethane and achieve similar results to using pre-mixed products like Poly Shades.
- However, Alley Picked does not recommend this method as it often leads to incomplete finishes, a blotchy appearance, and obscures the natural beauty of the wood grain.
In conclusion, while the mixing of stain and polyurethane may save time, it is not a preferred option for achieving high-quality finishes on wood projects. Alley Picked advises sticking to the traditional method of applying stain first and then polyurethane to ensure the best results.
Thank you for reading this article, and remember to choose the appropriate method for staining and applying polyurethane to maintain the beauty and longevity of your wooden projects.
