Stain isn't sealed into desk

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neb

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#3094196 23-Jun-2023 18:01

openmedia:
I used some Briwax stain followed by about 4 coats of Danish oil.

How did you apply this? You're putting an oil-based finish over a (presumably) water-based stain, which can cause problems if you re-hydrate the stain when applying the Danish oil. Since the Danish oil will contain a long oil, typically polyurethane as above, it should have sealed the stain into the wood once it cured.

openmedia

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#3094250 23-Jun-2023 21:48

I had done a bunch of research ahead of this job to get the best finish.

It was a Briwax spirit based stain that was allowed several days to dry and cure

https://www.briwax.co.nz/WoodDyes.php

Then multiple coats of Danish oil with plenty of drying time. I actually didn't assemble the desk until about 7-10 days after the final coats of oil.

The stain comes off on my hands where I use the desk, and also on the underside where my legs can sometimes touch the desk. The joy of long legs and arms makes positining the desk level challenging.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

neb

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#3094253 23-Jun-2023 22:04

openmedia:
I had done a bunch of research ahead of this job to get the best finish.

It was a Briwax spirit based stain that was allowed several days to dry and cure

https://www.briwax.co.nz/WoodDyes.php
Then multiple coats of Danish oil with plenty of drying time. I actually didn't assemble the desk until about 7-10 days after the final coats of oil.

So essentially you did everything right. Maybe contact Briwax, or whoever made the Danish oil? Sounds like a product failure, there's no way this should be happening.

mdf

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#3094296 24-Jun-2023 10:17

Have you got a photo? Does it come off evenly or worse in some spots?

If the stain and topcoat are safe to use with each other, then maybe they're reacting with something in the wood? Maybe the glue they've used for the finger jointing. But I'd expect that to be worse around the "seams".

nzkc

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#3094357 24-Jun-2023 13:20

Would a clear coat of something like this work? https://www.bunnings.co.nz/rust-oleum-298g-clear-gloss-2x-ultra-cover_p0265565

My daughter painted some stones and wanted to put them where they'd be exposed to some elements. Used this or a similar product (honestly cant remember which) to protect the paint.

We used a spray can (as per link) but you can get tinned stuff if you want more or to apply with a brush.

neb

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#3094381 24-Jun-2023 15:11

mdf: If the stain and topcoat are safe to use with each other, then maybe they're reacting with something in the wood? Maybe the glue they've used for the finger jointing. But I'd expect that to be worse around the "seams".

Another one I'd considered but it's rather a long shot, could they have supplied the OP with a panel that's already sealed in some way? Some of their stuff is pre-finished, I'm not sure how you'd get the behaviour he's reported from that but we're clearly not in any kind of normal territory any more.

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