Interesting (and frustrating) binding experience

[Simon Barden]

What a PITA. Could you try a 70/30 or even 80/20 poly/turps mix for a first coat? Obviously solvent is loosening the stain. But is it the turps, or is it something else that’s already in the poly to start with?

I’d suggest testing on some scrap wood to see if it’s the turps or the poly. Of course it may prove to be both with that particular stain pigment.

[McCreed]

What a PITA. Could you try a 70/30 or even 80/20 poly/turps mix for a first coat? Obviously solvent is loosening the stain. But is it the turps, or is it something else that’s already in the poly to start with?

I’d suggest testing on some scrap wood to see if it’s the turps or the poly. Of course it may prove to be both with that particular stain pigment.

Thanks Simon. Your guess is as good as mine on this one. My first thought was the turps being the culprit, but I've not had it happen before with the same recipe. Though, come to think of it, one was water based dye, the other was aniline dye in alcohol (???).

I had briefly considered spraying shellac before the poly but decided against it since I didn't want a tint on the white binding. Don't know if it would have made a difference, but methylated spirits (alcohol) is much milder than turpentine, so who knows?

The bleed wasn't catastrophic, more surprising and annoying. The poly was dry enough in a few hours to handle and I've since scraped and sanded it all clean again. I'll leave it overnight now and spray again in the morning. Weather should be perfect, so hopefully will all the coats I need done.

I didn't think to take any photos. Nothing very exciting anyway...