Kreg Owners' Community

Can anyone give me step by step instructions to install and stain Decoratively Accented Exposed Pocket Holes?  I'm using a dark stain and want to keep my plugs light.  Do I install my plugs and sand flush first, then use a clear coat product to seal the plugs before staining the project?

Views: 345

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Mary,

This is a tough one.  I'm not aware of a clear coat product like you mention in your question, but if you find one please share with the group. 

When I built the oriental inspired coffee table top I used painters tape.  That project used an oak plywood top edged with solid oak pieces.  The pieces were installed and sanded smooth before any finishing work began.  The plywood was stained a red followed by a black gel stain to highlight the grain.  When that was finished I taped off the red areas and stained the edges in ebony.  Here is the link to pics of the table http://kregjig.ning.com/photo/albums/oriental-inspired-coffee-table

The same technique may work with the plugs, using a light wood plug, gluing them in and sanding everything smooth, then taping over the plugs with painters tape prior to staining the remainder of the project.  You would have to be precise cutting the tape around the installed plug, be sure the tape has good adhesion and use caution applying the stain near the covered plugs.  

Another option that comes to mind is to stain the project, letting it dry thoroughly, then glue in the light wood plugs.  place painters tape around the plug (now sitting proud of the surface) and cut the plugs off using a flush cutting saw.

Whatever method you choose to use (whether one of my suggestions or an idea from elsewhere) I suggest practicing on some scrap wood first.  That way if something doesn't go right your only out some scraps of wood and some inexpensive plugs.

How about it other members, any other suggestions?

Hope this helps, Don

Hi Don,

Thank you for your response.  I decided to use a red oak finish on my table and a dark stain on the plugs.  Looks better, I think.  I tried an experiment with two plugs: I cut off the ends of the plug so the plugs fit flush. Then I removed them and stained them.  I think your method may be better to get all 16 plugs sitting flush.

Thanks again. 

Mary

Don Foley said:

Mary,

This is a tough one.  I'm not aware of a clear coat product like you mention in your question, but if you find one please share with the group. 

When I built the oriental inspired coffee table top I used painters tape.  That project used an oak plywood top edged with solid oak pieces.  The pieces were installed and sanded smooth before any finishing work began.  The plywood was stained a red followed by a black gel stain to highlight the grain.  When that was finished I taped off the red areas and stained the edges in ebony.  Here is the link to pics of the table http://kregjig.ning.com/photo/albums/oriental-inspired-coffee-table

The same technique may work with the plugs, using a light wood plug, gluing them in and sanding everything smooth, then taping over the plugs with painters tape prior to staining the remainder of the project.  You would have to be precise cutting the tape around the installed plug, be sure the tape has good adhesion and use caution applying the stain near the covered plugs.  

Another option that comes to mind is to stain the project, letting it dry thoroughly, then glue in the light wood plugs.  place painters tape around the plug (now sitting proud of the surface) and cut the plugs off using a flush cutting saw.

Whatever method you choose to use (whether one of my suggestions or an idea from elsewhere) I suggest practicing on some scrap wood first.  That way if something doesn't go right your only out some scraps of wood and some inexpensive plugs.

How about it other members, any other suggestions?

Hope this helps, Don

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Need Help?

For Technical Support, please call 800-447-8638 or send a message. Reps are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm CST. 

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

Forum

Jig settings for 2 ¾ x 1 ½ boards with 30 degree miters?

I making a hex ring out of 2x4s ripped to 2 ¾ inches wide with 30 degree miters.  What setting on the Jig should I used? 1 ½ is too much.  Thanks.Continue

Started by Patrick Halinski in Kreg Jig® Operation Dec 30, 2023.

40mm Cup Hinge Jig Question

Hi All.....I have the 35mm Kreg Jig hinge drill guide. The guide is great for 35mm Hinge Cups, but I have a speciality 40MM hinge cup to drill.Has anyone adapted the Kreg guide to work with 40mm Forsner drill bits? Or have a guide that works…Continue

Started by Ed Anderson in Beginners' Zone Oct 3, 2023.

Product Reviews

New Kreg 720Pro

I saw the video Kreg put out for this new jig and had high hopes for it.

I purchased one today and am very disappointed with it.

First the docking station is extremely cheap. The plastic is pathetic. A Lego has more…

Continue

Posted by Duke Leon on February 15, 2021 at 9:00pm

Not Pleased With Pocket Hole Construction

Several months ago, I purchased the Kreg K4MS so that I could build the Lego Table as outlined on the companion "buildsomething" web site which exclusively uses pocket hole construction.  I have considerable experience with conventional…

Continue

Posted by Robert Ringel on September 17, 2020 at 1:48pm — 9 Comments

© 2024   Created by KregRep.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service

_