Minwax makes some colored urethane. I used some on windowsills, and they
came out fine when I spread it over the old sills after scuff-sanding. I
was trying to match a color and got pretty lucky, but I'm sure I could have
darkened a lighter wood. The grain still shows through.

Keith
wrote in message
...
Many report success in doing this by using a gel stain instead of the
traditional stain. Traditional soaks into the wood but when a finish
is applied the wood fibers aren't available. Gel stains lay on the
surface and don't need bare wood fibers. Scuff sand the mantle with
#320 sandpaper working with the grain, clean and wipe on gel stain. If
unsat wipe off before it dries. It would be a great help if there is
an area that is hidden for testing the steps. If not stain and
topcoat a scrap piece of wood to use for testing. Ensure the topcoat
has cured prior to testing. Visit www.refinishwizard.com forum and
ask there. If possible add a picture of what you're working with.

On 10 Dec 2006 19:08:11 -0800, "j34m"
wrote:

I bought a home a year ago and I do not like the wood mantle that the
builder put in the house. It is like a light oak color and I want to
stain it something darker like a mahogony color. Do I have to strip
the mantle first or just stain over the top? I'm not sure if there is
some type of sealer on it. I have a picture of the mantle that I could
post, but I don't know how to post photos!

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated!