looking for a new stain/antique/finish combination

[CitizenKate]

Okay, here are some results of my testing, if anyone is interested...

- It turns out, I was actually able to get some very nice results from the all-in-one. You just have to buff the heck out of it. I also discovered that it mixes very nicely with Tan-Kote to make lighter shades and add a little more protection. So this is the stain/antique I'm going to use for my classes. (I still prefer my own recipe for my own work, but this is something I've been testing for use in a class setting, that will produce nice results without much hassle.) With this product, you don't really have to use a sealing finish, but in case you want to...

- Tan-kote was the winner for the finish you can brush or wipe on water-based stains and antiques "with confidence" (i.e., you don't have to be too careful).

- Neutral shoe polish ended up being the best wax finish you can wipe on water-based stains. The antique was not disturbed at all when it was being wiped on, and you can create any kind of finish you like from mellow to high gloss, just depeding how much polish you put on, and how much buffing you want to do.

- Acrylic finishes can be used if you're careful enough. That is, work fast, make one pass (the second pass is what gets you), and avoid using too much pressure.

Thanks for all your input!

Kate

Edited December 2, 2007 by CitizenKate

[abn]

Thanks for sharing your results. Sounds like you've found a good combination.