Gunstock 231

Last night I was reading over the Miniwax Stain directions again and I noticed at the bottom of the can it said to apply a second coat within 4 to 6 hours of the first stain (it had been 5 hours). I ran outside to decide what to do. I decided that just one coat made it look somewhat worn; I went for the second coat.



It was dark outside when I was trying to finish up the second coat. I'm sure it was a pretty humorous site to see me so frazzled. The worst part of this whole stain process (for me anyway) was the step where you lightly remove excess stain with a rag. I tried not to apply any pressure, but I always seemed to wind up removing a lot in one area and not as much in another. I'm really not sure how you would apply the same amount of pressure to the whole area you're wiping. That problem + no more daylight = very frazzled me skittering around the garage.



I can't seem to get a good photo of this without the light bouncing off in some strange way. That said, it is pretty red. It looks less like Gunstock 231 to me and more like Sedona Red or Red Chestnut.

But it's okay, I've come too far not to like it! I'll be waiting at least until later this afternoon to apply the protective top coat. My friend who knows wood and I are planning a date to build an apron and slap on some legs.. just a few more weeks!

Let's Recap:


We bought a beat-up door at the Habitat ReStore


I spent a long time cleaning it and sanding off the old stain and chipped pieces to reveal beautiful wood grain underneath


I applied a prestain conditioner

Then a first coat of Miniwax Gunstock 231

Then a second coat

What's left
- protective top coat
- legs!