How To Stain Poplar

[@Simplecove]

Do me a favor, subscribe to the channel if you're not already! Products used (affiliate links bellow): StainPad: amzn.to/2AYOPkP Pre-stain conditioner : amzn.to/2Dzhz6a Amber Dye: amzn.to/2RITUDw Rosewood Stain: amzn.to/2DxnpVP Shellac: amzn.to/2RNAblZ 80 Grit Sandpaper: amzn.to/2ODxnGi 120 Grit Sandpaper: amzn.to/2FgsjIi 150 Grit Sandpaper: amzn.to/2DzhL5o 220 Grit Sandpaper: amzn.to/2T4ZyBe

[@Simplecove]

Thanks!

[@paulbriggs3072]

I suspect thermaled poplar (tulip poplar as some people think its a relative to aspen or cottonwood but is actually not a poplar at all) would be naturally darker and richer and more evenly absorbent.

[@AleArzMusic]

This video was requested by POPLAR demand

[@berner]

Poplar was the first wood I used when starting woodworking. Its such a versitile wood, I love it :)

[@stevecollins9450]

Great tips there, Shawn. I know that I'm in the minority, but I like the look of raw poplar and have built a couple of nice looking pieces of furniture with it.

[@jeremyrock9305]

Steve Collins I’m with you i like poplar ! I’m going to do some colonial trim around my front door with it

[@JoshNtheedrifter]

I absolutely love poplar for some reason. I get lost in the natural look of it, even more than oaks and such... maybe my ancestors lived by the trees lol

[@YourSmallSpace]

Hi Steve, how did you go about finishing the poplar to maintain the raw look?

[@stevecollins9450]

@@YourSmallSpaceI use the same method as Matt Cremona and others use, building up the finish by wiping it on. I've been using General Finish for this for many years now and like the long term results I've gotten.

[@timburnet1037]

Finally, someone who doesn't brush off poplar as paint grade only!

[@Simplecove]

Agreed!

[@joelromero5346]

It’s all in the technique. Very nice results. Thanks for the great tips.

[@Simplecove]

Yep, thanks for watching!

[@rwind656]

Thanks for making an updated video on this. You included a few more little details along the way that will be helpful to those like myself who struggle with stain. Sorry the rosewood has become unavailable. (Read others comments.) Will have to look for something else. I like working poplar.

[@david1benson2jonas]

Extremely helpful video, thank you

[@tommcnally3646]

Great information 👍

[@jimmybob7364]

Excellent video. I want to start working with poplar. The cost is low and the challenge of dealing with an emo wood species is fun. I bought a house with poplar cabinets and some flooring. It looks great IMO. But it does mark easier than my oak wood floors.

[@mattwhitehead4374]

Fantastic Info. Great job!

[@TDREXrx9]

if you go to and autobody store you can get a golden/amber scotchwool which is even softer then grey !

[@chelseaamaio807]

Very informative! Including thr last piece on if yoyre using gel stain....do yoy tecommwnd one over the other?

[@MetalWizard91]

I’m actually planning on buying a guitar with a poplar wood. Would staining poplar with amber be a good color?

[@rineeshkulamuttamrineesh26]

Very good video.. its so informative

[@jamesmatthews5222]

Sean, love the video and I LOVE the finished product even more. Question: Is it better to use Gel Stain with poplar, and if so, does that change any part of the process? Thanks again!

[@FranksDIY]

Very nice explanation. I experienced blotching and other things using poplar. I managed to make it work out and I did end up using similar Technics as you just did and worked out great. Great explanation

[@BEasay]

Excellent, thank you!

[@rexclark7821]

If I’m going to use an oil base stain, do I need to spray with water to lift the grain???? universe

[@ChrisVanStory61984]

Can u use alcohol in substitute of water to pre raise the grain so you don't have to wait overnight?

[@beastmode334]

Good golly I'm super nervous to try this. Did a separate project with pine using different techniques and it came out horrible. Decided to give poplar a try and I'm going to follow your directions to a T. Yours looks amazing and I sure hope I can replicate this.

[@Simplecove]

Always make a test board before applying finish to your final piece. Good luck!

[@BriannaPaesano]

hi! what dye color would you recommend if i am going to use espresso stain?

[@jasonfiore8182]

Ive just ply boarses my shed , i want to stain and varnsih , is this possible

[@SilviaRodriguez-dk4vc]

Good morning, love the video, I need to stain the door jamb of the doors which is poplar wood and the door is solid oak. need to be the same color. Do you think I can stain the same color?

[@RM-en9gk]

I always raised the grain of the wood 1 grit before sanding the final grit and there no need to pre stain conditioner. ( Example 80, 120, raised the grain, 150 then stain.) I get better results free from blotches by sealing the raw wood with shellac about 2 coats then use dye color

[@Simplecove]

I'm not sure I understand your statement of "No need to pre stain conditioner" yet you go on to say you use shellac as a pre-stain conditioner?

[@LilShaggy82]

So if I want a darker color then don’t sand with a higher grit or a “finer” grit? I like a dark chatty look. Kinda like a Victorian look

[@josephlaviolette146]

Great video Sean! Love that color combo

[@Simplecove]

Thanks Joe!

[@samuelsmith5773]

How can I make Birch plywood look like Sapele (or at least Mahogany)? I need large panels of a Sapele lookalike to restore woodwork in a 1946 Spartan Manor.

[@kumabeast7745]

It seems that Rosewood is discontinued. Could you please suggest a substitute? thanks. Great vid by the way. What can you do with Pine and stains?

[@louiscypher7090]

Thanks.

[@scottlevine3271]

Hi, is the shellac spray finish suitable for an interior stairwell handrail? Any other suggestions?

[@laurafelskekuhn6508]

How wide are tool chests?

[@iansikina4017]

Would you use the amber dye to stain it ebony color as well? Trying to figure out how to get that deep black but still able to see the grain.

[@CheesyChise]

Came to this video after a bad blotch incident. I still have the other side of the board so im hoping i can avoid it somehow on the other side, but its literally the whole board 😫😫. Im using a really beautiful warm mocha color and its truly gorgeous on the other boards so im hoping if the otherside isnt too bad, i can save it.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great work Sean! Thank you for sharing the video with us.👍😎JP

[@42NDwSTKREETSKK]

Hello really enjoyed your video i just got a 60in x 30in butcher block workbench my question is im planning on make it into a table to hold my heavy pc case and two monitors do you think the wood is strong enough for it?

[@namelessgarrett3052]

Never seen any here in Aus. Good stuff.

[@Silver87sc]

I don't have much of a choice on the poplar. My step dad works at a wood store and I asked him to find me some wood at a decent price. His discount is worth the extra arm work lol

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info Sean, great results! 👍🏻👊🏻

[@Simplecove]

Thanks Fred!

[@kyle9335]

Hi Sean, was wondering what type of Amber dye you used. . . I've never used any dyes before, does Home Depot carry any?

[@kumabeast7745]

he used general finishes amber dye. i think it's sold at Lee Valley.

[@mwgreen9]

Real nice !

[@juanlambda27]

Great demo. Thanks! What is the difference between the dye and the stain? Is the dye found ready-mixed or is it a powder that needs to be mixed with water?

[@Simplecove]

I show a can of dye in the video and plus I link to it in the video description.

[@bobabooey8367]

Thanks Sean ..what if it has some green in it??

[@Simplecove]

Green in the poplar? The dye will help set the tone.

[@bobabooey8367]

@@Simplecove awesome:)

[@ronnakeil3313]

Nice

[@Simplecove]

Thanks

[@jc2367]

Any reason why you use water based stain for poplar?

[@Simplecove]

I just like using water based products. They dry faster and have less VOCs.

[@jakematic]

Thanks Sean! I've tried this and had terrible results.... obviously I sanded it too far after watching your video. Will give it a go now that I know the correct way.

[@Simplecove]

Give it a try. Thanks for watching!

[@joelhargraves4603]

Just spray clear coat, then sand flat, then shoot some tinted clear coats.

[@vincentcorpuz1622]

I like the cherry stain better.

[@watercoloraanik4388]

You should learn the you will show how make on this

[@Simplecove]

What?

[@ivokolarik8290]

👍

[@ChristiannTyler]

Wouldn’t the cost of all the stains, dyes etc end up costing more than if you were to buy a more expensive type of wood?

[@Simplecove]

Depends on the size of the project but I highly doubt it. I can get poplar for $2 a board foot whereas walnut for me is $8-$10 a board foot. Mahogany is roughly $6 a board foot.

[@MidlandTexan]

This is a poplar video