Water based stain finishing question

[Creedmoor]

I am in the process of restoring an old Win 190 and decided to use a dark walnut water based stain before I use Tru=Oil to finish it off.  The makers of Tru-Oil also sell a walnut stain that is water based so I know this is an OK combination.  My question concerns the raised grain after using the stain.  Should I lightly resand it using say 320 grit and maybe restain or should I just apply the Tru-Oil as is?  Any advice is much appreciated

[RonF]

I haven't refinished a stock using this approach, but I have used oil finishes over water based stains on furniture and other types of wood items.  You do need to sand very lightly after the water based stain is completely dry to reduce the raised grain.  Be sure to use a NEW piece of sandpaper so the grit will cut off the wood fibers and not just mash them down.  If you don't like the looks when you are done, apply more stain sparingly and repeat - the second time there will be much less raised grain.

Hope this helps.

RonF

[davem270win]

Tru-oil will also take care of the raised grain. The first coat or two of tru-oil will penetrate the pores of the wood and "anchor" the whiskers left from the water stain. As you go over each oil coat with steel wool, the finish will get smoother and smoother, as the pores fill in and the whiskers are shaved off.

[Keith L]

I just finished a Gunstocks, Inc stock, and they recommended to wet down the stock, dry it with a hair dryer and sand off the whiskers.  Then repeat until no more whiskers.  I think if you did this then applied the stain you would not get whiskers.  I was amazed at how clean the stock was after twice with the water and hair dryer.  I will use this again!!

[bluebayou]

Dang.

A hairdryer, why didn't I think of that?  That would probably be faster.  Nice tip.

[Keith L]

I was really impressed with how it worked.  I have been finishing/refinishing things for over 30 years and always hated the extra sanding after the first few coats due to whiskering.  This takes care of it like I would not have believed.

The Gunstocks folks were great to deal with, sent along good, helpful suggestions, and are GB sponsors.  I will deal with them again!!

Only trouble was finding a hair dryer.  Good thing the wife had one.  My hair has been mostly gone for years...

[gunnut69]

I just steel wool the whiskers off after they are raised. Better yet use a solvent based stain and avoid the problem altogether..