Staining in the cold...???

[Greyum]

So there is a cold spell and my workspace is between 7-10°C

I’m wondering if this is too cold to complete the finish (Minwax oil-based stain and then tru-oil).

Current progress:
Front - Initial

Front - 1st Coat


Back - Initial

Back - 1st Coat

Back - 2nd Coat (with light sanding)

 

[AlexR]

Re: Staining in the cold...???

Not really. Things just take longer to dry IME. That in itself might cause issue if runs can gradually coalesce during this longer cure time.


The truoil bottle/website surely should give more detailed application procedure though.

 

[Greyum]

Re: Staining in the cold...???

Not really. Things just take longer to dry IME. That in itself might cause issue if runs can gradually coalesce during this longer cure time.


The truoil bottle/website surely should give more detailed application procedure though.

The stain doesn’t run (thin but adequate coating) and after 20 minutes I removed it with a cloth and allow it to dry.
I brought the guitar inside and the strain started to bead slightly (I wiped it off).

My concern is the longer drying time and warping due to the low temperatures.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Staining in the cold...???

I'm assuming you mean the warping of the wood. This is of course something to be wary of.

Stain is not the issue. Either water or alcohol it will absorb quickly and you are never putting it on thickly like the oil could be in places.

 

[Greyum]

Re: Staining in the cold...???

I'm assuming you mean the warping of the wood. This is of course something to be wary of.

Stain is not the issue. Either water or alcohol it will absorb quickly and you are never putting it on thickly like the oil could be in places.

After staining I started to bring the guitar inside (in its box) that sped up the drying process immensely.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Staining in the cold...???

Read the directions on the container.

Might say don’t use when temperature is less than 50 degrees...or something like that.

If it does...wait.

Especially when working with oil.