Well the staining process had more *&$#!@* surprises in store for me. The Espresso stain that I had ordered from the Home Hardware warehouse had not only sat on a dusty shelf for....oh....35 years but the can had a small puncture that I discovered after I had coated some of the oak hardwood in the slop. The exposure to air had completely ruined the stain.
So....I dug out the finish sander AGAIN and hit the boards with 150 grit to re-open the grain. I had all but given up on the staining idea and was considering paint when I came across exactly what I was looking for.
Kona stain by Varathane.
Finally....after 2 coats I have the espresso look that I have been trying to achieve. Here is a peek at some of the boards laid out to dry.
Here is a closer look. I love how the grain in the oak is muted yet visible.
Tomorrow the fun starts. Fastening the hardwood to the stand frame. Rather than use wood glue, I am using a MUCH stronger adhesive.
LePage PL9000 Heavy Duty (Quick Grab) Construction Adhesive and micro pins (air nailed).
I will take pictures throughout the process. Stay tuned.