We have a desk that has been stripped from its original coatUnderneath is pressed wood Is there a stain you can use to shade the color yellow but give it a nice finish?

Answer 1

I think you are referring to analine dyes, which act like stain to impart transparent color to wood and other porous materials. A good selection can be purchased online; try vandykes.com - they provide basic instructions with their products. If you are adventurous, and the desk is not precious to you, another idea is to experiment with non-commercial dye substances (a friend makes a habit of dying picture frames with Kool-Aid; I've used shoe polish and watercolor paints in a pinch). All transparent finishes must be top-coated with a sealant, such as clear polyurethane, to protect the surface - even if you do not want a shiny finish. A desk, in particular, will have to withstand rough use on the top and drawer fronts. A warning: in any finishing job, surface prep is the key to success. Some transparent finishes look horribly blotchy if the surface has not been prepared. Be sure the substrate is absolutely clean and free from old finish. "Pressed wood" could be a veneer, which certainly may be of fine quality, but will require a conditioning treatment to insure the dye is absorbed evenly. Wood conditioners are available wherever you buy your top coat. Good luck, and congratulations on saving an old treasure - it's still the best form of recycling!