TOPIC: Craft advice

Hey. I bought a storage box for Marvel Champions on Etsy. It is Balsa pine. I’m considering staining it and doing some kind of protective coating. Anyone have any advice or suggestions for me?

Softwoods like pine tend to stain unevenly, but I'm not sure how noticeable it would be on a smaller piece.

The steps are basically sand it with around 150 grit paper going with the grain, wipe it off with a damp sponge, seal it with wood conditioner (this helps the stain soak more evenly), stain it, shellac it. It's easier to use a spray enamel, but if you're taking the time to do the other steps you might as well use shellac.

Make sure you wear gloves.

Brokkr wrote: Softwoods like pine tend to stain unevenly, but I'm not sure how noticeable it would be on a smaller piece.

The steps are basically sand it with around 150 grit paper going with the grain, wipe it off with a damp sponge, seal it with wood conditioner (this helps the stain soak more evenly), stain it, shellac it. It's easier to use a spray enamel, but if you're taking the time to do the other steps you might as well use shellac.

Make sure you wear gloves.

Thanks.

I prefer a tack cloth over a damp sponge, sometimes the water from the sponge can cause some weird staining, especially on soft woods.