I'm having a little problem trying to figure out if I should stain my window
sills before install or after? Here's the issue... The windows all have a
plastic wood return so that the new wood will slide into the returns. If I
install them first it gives me the chance to nail and fill the holes first,
but I'm afraid that if I try and stain the wood afterwards it will stain the
white plastic returns... What to do?

If I stain and apply some clear first and then install the wood can I just
stain the nail holes or will the stain sink into the varathane? My Dad says
stain and clear first...

"HotRod" wrote in message
...
I'm having a little problem trying to figure out if I should stain my
window sills before install or after? Here's the issue... The windows all
have a plastic wood return so that the new wood will slide into the
returns. If I install them first it gives me the chance to nail and fill
the holes first, but I'm afraid that if I try and stain the wood
afterwards it will stain the white plastic returns... What to do?

If I stain and apply some clear first and then install the wood can I just
stain the nail holes or will the stain sink into the varathane? My Dad
says stain and clear first...

Stain first, then touch it up after it is installed.

Should I stain and varathane or just stain? What happens when you stain over
varathane?


"Locutus" wrote in message
...

"HotRod" wrote in message
...
I'm having a little problem trying to figure out if I should stain my
window sills before install or after? Here's the issue... The windows all
have a plastic wood return so that the new wood will slide into the
returns. If I install them first it gives me the chance to nail and fill
the holes first, but I'm afraid that if I try and stain the wood
afterwards it will stain the white plastic returns... What to do?

If I stain and apply some clear first and then install the wood can I
just stain the nail holes or will the stain sink into the varathane? My
Dad says stain and clear first...

Stain first, then touch it up after it is installed.

"HotRod" wrote in message
...
Should I stain and varathane or just stain? What happens when you stain
over varathane?

About zero in the stain department. Varathane as in Lacquer? Might not be
good for the plastic.

"HotRod" wrote in message
...
Should I stain and varathane or just stain? What happens when you stain
over varathane?


Stain and varathane prior to installing the sill. The stain wont do anything
on the varathane, it will just wipe off.

I agree with others, get them cut to proper size, test install, then stain
and finish. Install them and nail them down, (you were going to pre-drill
the nail holes weren't you?) Then a light sanding with 400 grit or so, and
a 50% thinned coat of varathane will cover any dings you made installing
them. After that coat dries, and you sand/steel wool it smooth, then get
some putty from the hardware store that matches the wood, and putty the nail
holes.

If you fill the holes before you stain, you have NO guarantee that the stain
will look the same when applied to the filler as applied to the wood.
DAMHIKT

Your Dad's a smart guy (this time).

Old Guy

"HotRod" wrote in message
...
I'm having a little problem trying to figure out if I should stain my
window sills before install or after? Here's the issue... The windows all
have a plastic wood return so that the new wood will slide into the
returns. If I install them first it gives me the chance to nail and fill
the holes first, but I'm afraid that if I try and stain the wood
afterwards it will stain the white plastic returns... What to do?

If I stain and apply some clear first and then install the wood can I just
stain the nail holes or will the stain sink into the varathane? My Dad
says stain and clear first...

I

HotRod wrote:
Should I stain and varathane or just stain? What happens when you stain over
varathane?


Varathane is a brand.

Which Varathane product are you asking about?

You can fill the nail holes with a putty type filler that closely matches
your stain
after you stain an install the sill.

Ted
"HotRod" wrote in message
...
I'm having a little problem trying to figure out if I should stain my
window sills before install or after? Here's the issue... The windows all
have a plastic wood return so that the new wood will slide into the
returns. If I install them first it gives me the chance to nail and fill
the holes first, but I'm afraid that if I try and stain the wood
afterwards it will stain the white plastic returns... What to do?

If I stain and apply some clear first and then install the wood can I just
stain the nail holes or will the stain sink into the varathane? My Dad
says stain and clear first...

THANKS for all of the advice.


"HotRod" wrote in message
...
I'm having a little problem trying to figure out if I should stain my
window sills before install or after? Here's the issue... The windows all
have a plastic wood return so that the new wood will slide into the
returns. If I install them first it gives me the chance to nail and fill
the holes first, but I'm afraid that if I try and stain the wood
afterwards it will stain the white plastic returns... What to do?

If I stain and apply some clear first and then install the wood can I just
stain the nail holes or will the stain sink into the varathane? My Dad
says stain and clear first...

"HotRod" wrote in message
...
I'm having a little problem trying to figure out if I should stain my
window sills before install or after? Here's the issue... The windows all
have a plastic wood return so that the new wood will slide into the
returns. If I install them first it gives me the chance to nail and fill
the holes first, but I'm afraid that if I try and stain the wood
afterwards it will stain the white plastic returns... What to do?

If I stain and apply some clear first and then install the wood can I just
stain the nail holes or will the stain sink into the varathane? My Dad
says stain and clear first...


Staining in two stages or staining and patching often show signs of a 2 step
procedure.
Put masking tape over the parts that you do not want to stain.
I'd install, then stain.

"B A R R Y" wrote in message
.. .
HotRod wrote:
Should I stain and varathane or just stain? What happens when you stain
over varathane?


Varathane is a brand.

Which Varathane product are you asking about?

I assumed he was referring to their poly product...