"rlz" wrote in message
...
I recently built a office desk out of red oak with raised panels on
the front and sides. My question revolves around the finishing of the
desk. I've noticed slight variations in the wood tones and am concern
about achieving a consistent finish. I was thinking of using a can of
Pecan stain, but would like suggestions on maybe a better way to do
this. I'm a newbi when it comes to finishing furniture, except for
the stain in a can and poly.
Any suggestions?

I've also posted on alt.woodworking, but I thought I would ask this
group as well.

Rob

Either enjoy the natural differences, or look into dyes, not stain. The
best oak finishes involve some filler coats too, but I've not used them.

Final coat can be polyurethane, but if you want it to look good, you have a
few steps after the final coat dries. Let it cure two weeks or more. The
wet sand with 400 grit, then 600 grit. Next, rub it with pumice. Clean it
off and rub with rottenstone. Finally wax. If you do that extra work it
will look like fine furniture, if you just leave the poly coat, it will look
like plastic.