Jan

22

I have an unfinished wood wine rack that I’d like to stain but I don’t know the wood species?

Filed Under wine racks 

Mel asked:


The piece is totally unfinished and never used, my mother was trying to sell it in a garage sale. I read a few websites about choosing a stain and it mentioned that you should know the wood species and whether it’s open grained or not. I have no experience in this area, is there a way to determine the species and grain? Any general tips are also appreciated. Thanks!
It is a very light color and it did leave a dent when I pressed my nail into it. It’s a collapsible rack, so I think I probably will bring it to the hardware store to get their advice. Thanks everyone!

Joanne
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    • Comments

    No Responses to “I have an unfinished wood wine rack that I’d like to stain but I don’t know the wood species?”

    1. sensible_man on January 23rd, 2009 12:19 pm

      On the back side of it, press your thumbnail into the wood. If it leaves a mark, it is a soft wood such as Pine. When I stain open grained woods, I use a sealer first so the stain doesn’t look splotchy. Good luck with your project.

    2. Evan on January 23rd, 2009 5:14 pm

      What you read is true but not VERY important. Here is what I would do. Take a photo of the wine rack in natural light, or if its small enough to carry, take it to the store where you want to purchase the stain. Have someone there help you in deciding what stain to use.

      If I had to take a guess I would say its probably some species of oak or cherry. If it appears lighter, probably oak. If its darker, probably cherry.

    3. =]__*Chaz*__=] on January 25th, 2009 10:22 am

      The wood hard woods are light easy to find out if it is hard wood or soft wood the wood hard and hardwood wouldnt so cna use your fingernail to find out if it.

    4. snowbuf on January 28th, 2009 6:37 am

      it really isnt that important. different wood takes different stain differently. closed grain wood takes stain in a more uniform manner than open grain wood. if you buy minwax or some other type, from your home center store, let it dry over night before you put your finish on it. Im not a fan of the polyshades, but thats your choice.
      any unfinished furniture i have ever seen is all closed grain wood, with the only exception being oak. heres a link to see what type you might have.

      start in the back and work your way forward.

      good luck.