Kerosene and Naptha mix for filler stain?

[brian_61]

I'm using up the last of my Interlux 333 brushing fluid on my mahogany ply cruiser. I know it's basically a mixture of kerosene and naptha. I have both of these solvents on hand. Anyone know a good ratio to mix these for rubbing in filler stain?

[Lew Barrett]

Isn't it possible to assure consistent results by simply obtaining another can of stain?

[brian_61]

Got plenty of stain, it's the solvent I'm running low on. The combination of Filler Stain and 333 Brushing Liquid are basically fine clay and kerosene. Since I have kerosene and naptha on hand, might as well save a couple bucks.

[brian_61]

Ok, I think I figured it out.

Specific gravity of Interlux 333 = 0.799, kerosene sg = 0.820 and naptha sg = 0.667.

So a ratio of 9:1 kerosene to naptha has a specific gravity of 0.805. That's within a percent. That should work.

[brian_61]

Well, forget 9:1, it makes a heavier fluid and slow drying.

Made it 3:1 kerosene to naptha. Works great and evaoprates nicely. Actually it accellerated the process. The base application set up a little quicker allowing me to rub out the excess after an hour.

[JimConlin]

Stop worrying. Ordinary paint thinner works just fine, as will any of the distillate solvents lighter than diesel.

[pcford]

Stop worrying. Ordinary paint thinner works just fine, as will any of the distillate solvents lighter than diesel.

That thinking lead to disaster for me using International stain. Would not dry after days.

Why not buy what the can suggests?...the amount you are saving is truly trivial....

[pcford]

Well, forget 9:1, it makes a heavier fluid and slow drying.

Made it 3:1 kerosene to naptha. Works great and evaoprates nicely. Actually it accellerated the process. The base application set up a little quicker allowing me to rub out the excess after an hour.


After an hour...!!!! I never leave it on that long! Something is strange here. It would be a total hassle to remove.

For example:
http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/fillers.shtml


Apply the filler with a stiff bristle brush. I like to use an inexpensive polyester brush with blunt edges or an old worn out black bristle brush. Apply the filler liberally to the surface in any direction working it into the pores of the wood with the tip of the brush. It's best to work with small, manageable areas on large surfaces, until you get the feel for how fast the filler dries. Immediately after brushing, take a rubber squeegee (available from source of supply) or a thin scrap piece of wood and scrape off the excess filler at a 45 degree angle to the grain of the wood. This step is important, because it packs the filler into the pores. After scraping the excess, wait for the filler to haze over. This can be anywhere from five minutes to 20 minutes, depending on temperature and humidity.

[brian_61]

Hum, I dunno, I basically used a tight wadded rag to pick up the thicker stain that sank to the bottom of the pail and rubbed, and rubbed across the grain, leaving some streaking. Then go back over it an hour or two later with a cleaner rag and the excess came right off.

It seems to be a pretty nice finish so far even without varnish. Maybe were talking about two different stains? I was expecting a kind of dye/pigment to soak in and dreading working with it. The Interlux filler stain was very forgiving and reminded me of spit shining boots in the barracks. The longer you work it, the better it gets. It even forms a caulking between the bulkhead and the deck.

If my varnish fails to stick though, I'll be the first to fess up.

[pcford]

Maybe were talking about two different stains? I was expecting a kind of dye/pigment to soak in and dreading working with it. The Interlux filler stain was very forgiving and reminded me of spit shining boots in the barracks. The longer you work it, the better it gets.

I've use International stain over the years....one mistake that people make is to leave it on too long. It sets up and becomes almost opaque. I really don't know how you could leave it on for an hour and still be able to wipe it off easily.

But maybe you are...