My husband and I are finishing a piece of pine using the following products:
Minwax pre-stain wood conditioner
Minwax Wood Finish stain
Minwax Fast Drying Poly
The first coat of poly left cloudy streaks and patches in the finish. In some spots, it almost looks like the poly dissolved and discoloured some of the stain. Rubbing the area with a cloth does not help, but I have not tried sanding yet.
I would appreciate any advice on how to remedy and avoid this problem in the future.
Thank you,
Tamara
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using clear oil-based (not water) poly on the stain is the best. If doing this, use a good quality brush and long even strokes making sure that you work fast enough for the poly to stay wet the whole time. If using a stain+poly in one mix...sand with steel wool 8hrs after the first coat and do a second coat...long even strokes
My parents just finished a headboard to match new dressers from Ikea and used the same steps as you described. I had suggested that they apply a stain and follow with a clear finish when they were sure of the match. They were sold the combo stain and finish and have had the same results as you. My Dad resanded and applied the stain again and did not use the final clear coat. It looks much better now. Hope this helps you