Matching Stain - Plywood & Hardwood

[Mike Goetzke]

With his help, building a couple of cabinets for my son. He wanted shaker style doors using oak. I know from past experience it's difficult to match the stain on ply and hardwood due to the thin veneer.

I see suggestions of wood conditioner, sanding sealer, gel stain, and was even thinking maybe diluting the finish (Minwax).

Looking for advice - Thanks

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have never had a problem matching the stain color on oak solid wood & oak plywood, when using oil based stains.
Have you stained sample pieces with the stain you are using? 

 

[mrFinpgh]

I wouldn't expect to need to do much conditioning with oak.

Depending on the desired look, you may wish to do some experimentation with diluted dye to see whether you can get it down to a formula that brings everything close enough.  It might take more or less applications on the plywood to get it to match the color of the wood.

If you can get it all in the same color 'zone', then you could go over it with gel stain (after sealing w/ shellac) and that should bring it more than close enough.

 

[tjbnwi]

Straight line sand (with the grain) everything with 150. You should have no problems matching the 2 products.

Zar is a very forgiving oil stain.

Be careful with the rags if you use oil based stain.

Tom

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I made some samples and the match is pretty good as is. Must of had bad stain years ago when I had an issue. I did find a jar of Zar WB stain that I had and it matched the best. Maybe like Tom suggests I'll try their oil base.

Thanks