Galley Counter-top: CPES Sealed/Staining question(?)

[Alfred]

Hey Gang,

Regarding the galley counter-top, I have already sealed it with CPES. I am thinking I will top it with spar polyurethane, but wondering can I still stain it, or will the CPES stop the stain from working? Or what do you suggest?



I have considered just painting over it with the Uniflex aliphatic paint I am using on the outside, too. But I think the spar urethane would look nicer...

Thanks, AL.

[doug hodder]

Al....if you did CPES on it...that's what you got....can't stain/dye it now. Doug

[Alfred]

Al....if you did CPES on it...that's what you got....can't stain/dye it now. Doug

OK, that's what I thought! Thanks, Doug!

AL in Asheville

[S. Heisley]

Alfred, it'll look great with the Spar Urethane on it. Give it around 4 or 5 coats and it'll serve you well. If it ever gets scratched, you can sand and recoat it again and Voila! you have a brand new counter top again!

[Alfred]

Alfred, it'll look great with the Spar Urethane on it. Give it around 4 or 5 coats and it'll serve you well. If it ever gets scratched, you can sand and recoat it again and Voila! you have a brand new counter top again!

Hey Sharon,

I think I will probably still use the Spar Urethane on it. I was thinking a little stain maybe to darken it slightly, but as I have already CPES'd it, I think the urethane will look good without the stain, too.

AL in Asheville

[S. Heisley]

If you really want a stain, you might be able to use a product called Minwax Wood Finish. It is polyurethane with stain added to it. I know it is compatible with Spar Urethane and may be compatible with CPES but it would be best to check with the Rot Doc on that one. If you use the Minwax Wood Finish, it would be like applying paint because the stain would probably not sink in since you've already sealed it with the CPES. (Also, it might not go on as smoothly as you want.) If the MWF does what you want, topping with enough coats of the Spar Urethane might be okay. It would be kind of like encasing the stain in polyurethane. People put pictures and the like on counters and then layer polyurethane over it.

I would definitely not try the MWF "staining" without testing to see what the outcome will be. You could try it on a spare piece of CPES'd wood or in an area that doesn't matter, won't be seen to check out if it works. You can get a small yellow can of the MWF for just under $5 at most any hardware store.

Do check with the Rot Doc first, though. You can even call them on Sundays and they will answer. Steve and Jim are especially helpful. Steve is usually there on Sundays.

I just had another idea..... I'm going to PM you on that one.