When it comes to finishing wood, there are different methods and products available. One common question many DIY woodworkers have is, “What would happen if you mixed oil-based stain with oil-based polyurethane and then applied it to the wood?” In today’s article, we will explore the results of this experiment and provide insights into whether mixing stain and polyurethane is a viable option.

To conduct this experiment, Alley Picked, a renowned YouTube channel, embarked on a journey to test different combinations of polyurethane and stain. Here are the key steps and findings of their experiment:

Step 1: Preparation

  • Four glasses were prepared, each containing a different combination of polyurethane and stain.
  • Glass 1: 50% polyurethane and 50% stain
  • Glass 2: 75% polyurethane and 25% stain
  • Glass 3: Straight polyurethane (control baseline)
  • Glass 4: Poly Shades by Minwax (a one-step product)

Step 2: Application

  • A clean, soft bristle brush was used to apply each product to the wood.
  • Glass 1 (50% polyurethane and 50% stain) provided even coverage.
  • Glass 2 (75% polyurethane and 25% stain) was slightly lighter than Glass 1 but still acceptable.
  • Glass 3 (straight polyurethane) served as a control to compare the finishes.
  • Glass 4 (Poly Shades) exhibited a similar appearance to Glass 1.

Step 3: Drying and Evaluation

  • The four glasses were left to dry, allowing for a fair comparison of the products.
  • While waiting for them to dry, Alley Picked took a trip to a church basement to test the method in a real-world scenario.
  • The basement steps were in poor condition, making them an ideal use case for the experiment.
  • The steps were sanded with 80-grit sandpaper, and the dust was removed with paint thinner.
  • Ideally, the proper way to finish the steps would be to remove the old finish, sand down to bare wood, apply the stain, let it dry, and then apply several coats of polyurethane.
  • Nonetheless, as a test, one part stain and two parts polyurethane were mixed and applied to the steps.
  • The result was not ideal, with noticeable color mismatches and an incomplete finish.
  • Alley Picked commented that while the finish looked better on camera, it did not meet their standards in person.

Step 4: Second Coat and Final Thoughts

  • Alley Picked decided to apply a second coat of polyurethane to the drying glasses while assessing the finishes.
  • The experiment continued with another project, a reindeer Christmas card holder.
  • This project allowed for a more rustic, unfinished look, making stain and polyurethane a suitable choice.
  • After applying the mixture to the card holder, Alley Picked found that the finish was acceptable but not perfect.
  • They concluded that their preferred method would be to first apply the stain and then follow up with polyurethane, rather than mixing the two together.
  • They emphasized that mixing stain and polyurethane might save time, but it does not yield superior results.

In summary, the experiment conducted by Alley Picked aimed to determine whether mixing stain and polyurethane produces the same results as using a one-step product like Poly Shades. The experiment revealed that while it is possible to achieve similar finishes, the final results are not as desirable as the traditional method of applying stain and then polyurethane. Mixing stain and polyurethane tends to result in an incomplete finish, obscuring the natural beauty of the wood grain.

Based on this experiment, it is recommended to follow the standard process of applying stain first and then layering polyurethane for the best results. While mixing stain and polyurethane can be tempting for the sake of convenience, it is not recommended if you want a high-quality finish.

Next time you embark on a woodworking project, consider the insights gained from this experiment and opt for the traditional method of applying stain and polyurethane separately. By doing so, you’ll be able to achieve a more polished, beautiful finish that preserves the natural charm of the wood.

Remember, woodworking is an art, and it’s worth taking the time to do it right. Don’t compromise the quality of your finishes by cutting corners. Embrace the beauty of the traditional method and enjoy the results it brings. Happy woodworking!