I'm having some trouble with a stain I'm applying. I started spot treating a stain and managed to sand it down enough that the remaining black streaks aren't too noticeable. However, when I apply the stain, it turns orange. Interestingly, the areas where I've feathered the stain into the existing varnish don't change color. What could be going wrong here, and how can I fix it? Here's a bit about my process: I've sanded using 40, 60, 200, 1000, and 2000 grit sandpaper and vacuumed in between sandings. After that, I applied two coats of Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Protective Wood Finish in Warm Satin (1 Quart). Here's an image of what I'm working with: https://imgur.com/a/4vYkqOj
1 Answer
It sounds like you’re experiencing issues because of the sanding grit you’re using. Why go up to 2000 grit? That can leave fine dust in the wood’s pores, which might explain the orange hue of the stain. Instead, try stopping at 240 grit—it’s a floor, not ebony piano keys! And just a heads-up, if you're using automotive wet sanding paper, switch to sandpaper made specifically for wood instead. To fix the color issue, sand down the area and reapply the same finish on the entire board to ensure a more uniform look. Honesty, you might want to sand the whole boards down so at least the color disparity looks intentional!
Thanks for the advice! I had no idea about the grit options. I will definitely switch my technique. I'm trying to salvage as much as I can after the flooding, so I really appreciate the tips!