[kim tucker]

I have just carved a staff/walking stick useing basswood.
It came out really nice and now I am worried I will ruin it if I dont stain it correctly. There are wood burnings on it and I want them to show thru.
I can e-mail pics so you know what I am talking about.
Any takers out there. All advice is welcome.... Thanks Tuck

[AlArchie]

Basswood is not known for very distinctive grain, but the wood can still be enhanced with the proper application. As it is a softer wood, it will have a tendency to splotch when stained, so make sure you treat it with a good quality pre-stain conditioner before applying the stain.


These can be found in the same deaprtment as the stains and come both water and petro based......choice is yours, but remember the oil based should be used with oil stains ands the water based with water stains. Just follow the directions onthe can.

I'd opt for a light stain......golden oak, light maple , etc.

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I use Min-Wax Pre-Stain sealer and a good color for richness but not to dark is Golden Oak........take a look at the samples at your hardware or paint store.....

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

make sure you treat it with a good quality pre-stain conditioner before applying the stain.

Twice, once will probably not be good enough. Basswood is not the easiest stuff to get to take the stain evenly. I've used both Min-Wax water based and Min-wax oil based prestains with mixed results.

[Eddy Smiles]

Why not use a heavily diluted acrylic as a stain. DecoART even makes a product called "STAINING ANTIQUING MEDIUM" which turns acrylics into a stain.

[Kenny_S]

Pre-staining conditioner is the only way to go with basswood. I agree on a lighter color instead of a darker one.

I understand what Eddy is saying but not sure that a conditioner will be needed on that method also. Never tried it that way.

[oldbearx2]

I have used a colored wax such as Briwax on plain basswood with very good results. The wood burnings still show through and it does not hide any of the grain. Just remember the wax is not a true sealer and tends to wear off with use, so it may not be acceptable for a walking stick that will be used for walking. However if it is just for show it may work for you.

Have fun carve
The Old Bear.

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Kenny_S

Pre-staining conditioner is the only way to go with basswood. I agree on a lighter color instead of a darker one.

I understand what Eddy is saying but not sure that a conditioner will be needed on that method also. Never tried it that way.

Hi Kenny or anyone, question---I haven't used Pre-staining conditioner, but I have heard good things about it and want to try it. My question is prior to using the Pre-stain 'Do you use any pre-oil such as 'Danish Oil'?
Thanks,
Kathy