Best type of stain to use

[cookie30]

i am just wanting to know what would be the best type of stain to use on baltic birch. I am doing some ornaments and the customer wants them in cherry. would I use gel or what. I know I would need some pre conditioner frist. all info is appreciated

[NC Scroller]

My 2 cents based on what I do. I like to use regular stain and not the gel. Just pour some stain in a tray/dish, dip the pieces and then blot off the excess with paper towels. The stain can be poured back into the can for later use. Make sure to dispose of the paper towels properly. Once dipped and blotted I would wait at least 24 hours before clear coating. For a clear coat my choice would be a spray on like Deft. I AM NOT a fan of the water based sprays.

[wood-n-things]

With BB and pine especially I use a coat of shellac first then I dip my project after that has cured, a couple of hours. The shellac helps to prevent blotching & makes the stain take in a more uniform way. Just my 2 1/2 cents.

[cookie30]

NC Scroller, I like that tip cause I have over 100 of these thing to do and that would be faster then brushing all of them.

wood-n-things if I am using pre stain conditioner wouldnt that work the same? or does the shellac work better?

[morsewk]

I have just been dipping my BB ornaments for years without any preconditioner and had no problems. Sealers are only needed on open grained wood. Finishing of wood was my career for 38 years. so I have had some experience!

[cookie30]

I have just been dipping my BB ornaments for years without any preconditioner and had no problems. Sealers are only needed on open grained wood. Finishing of wood was my career for 38 years. so I have had some experience!

thanks I beleve I am going to try different ways with scrap so I can get the color I wont so I dont mess them up. I will try this also. thanks again