Stain b/4 or after installation??? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

pitterpat · 10-03-2006, 07:43 PM

I don't do this much so that's why I have a question.

I am putting up some 1/4 round in a recessed light area, the area is 12' x 3'. I am just putting in the qtr rnd on the 12' sides and the stain is to match the existing qtr rnd already up. I am wondering if it is best to stain the qtr rnd b/4 I install it or to stain after I install. The qrt rnd sill not on the drywall, it will sit on some 1 x 2 that needs to be stained in some 1" areas to cover where some other 1 x 2 was T'd into the other 1 x 2 .

So, should I stain b/4 or after I install. BTW it is a dark stain that I had matched @ porter paints.

Thanks, Pat

paint slinger · 10-03-2006, 08:09 PM

stain before installing then all you have to do is touch up after installation

Richard · 10-03-2006, 08:16 PM

Quarter rounds being put on ceilings? Is that correct?....

If so, DEFINITELY before you install~I hate trying to get stain off a nice finshed ceiling. It's not fun...

Sounds nice though, make sure to post an 'after' pic

Brenda · 10-03-2006, 09:29 PM

Pat,
I agree with the others that it would be far easier to stain before installation. Also, MinWax makes a wipe on poly, this also could be used prior to install. It works great.
Brenda

pitterpat · 10-04-2006, 03:56 AM

It is not going on the ceiling...it is hard to explain. but I will take your advice.

Richard · 10-04-2006, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitterpat

It is not going on the ceiling...it is hard to explain. but I will take your advice.

Sorry if I misunderstood, I saw recessed and was thinking it had to be ceiling. But I still recommend at least putting the stain on before installing. Poly before or after is up to you, but if you can, do it all first....

Dave-Raleigh · 10-04-2006, 10:33 AM

Stain it and one coat of poly before you even cut the 1/4 round. You can wipe a lot of stain on real quick with a rag. After you cut each piece just hit the cut ends with a stain rag and you will be set to go.

After you nail it up fill the holes with colored putty and then put on your last coat of poly. You could even do the 2nd coat of poly before nailing it up and as long as its not gloss finish the putty will still blend right in and you will never see the puttied holes.

Joewho · 10-04-2006, 04:56 PM

My opinion is to cut and fit your pieces first, then stain it and finish, then hang. That way you don't have to "touch up" stain. Stain does not touch up, ever. You will have a bit of a problem staining the bare strip on the existing wood you described, as there will be a dark line where the new and old stain overlap.

May not be a problem if no one gets close to it. Sounds like you're putting up some trim moulding, not true 1/4 round. And finally, read the putty jar. Putty is supposed to be applied after all the staining and finishing are done.
The secret to getting a nice smooth clear coat finish is to use quick dry poly. regular poly's dry too slow and inevitably are not smooth to the touch. I hate minwax stain/finish as much as you guys hate behr. Use only straight, pure stain. No finish mixed in. It's just like shampoo with conditioner in it already. It's crap.

These tips probably don't matter too much on small trim, but are essential if you do anything bigger.

**Teetorbilt** · 10-04-2006, 05:56 PM

Joewho, fellow woodworker.

Joewho · 10-04-2006, 10:26 PM

Hope I didn't come off sounding like an ass. The guy i learned from has little patience and I guess I'm just mimicking him a little.

pitterpat · 10-09-2006, 06:15 AM

I'm staining 1st, ends will not show but I'm staining them too to seal them. Thanks, Pat