Staining flawed newel post


  #1  
Old 02-03-21, 12:33 PM
M
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 2
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Staining flawed newel post

Hi!
We replaced our old newel post with a new one and the plan is to stain the top cap and paint the bottom. We weren’t crazy about the very top portion of the cap that came with the post (it was rounded) so when our handyman installed it, he also added this square piece to the top. I love the guy but he didn’t do the best job with that top so I have a few questions for when I’m staining it.
1. It’s not flush with the piece it’s attached to-how do I remedy that. I know if I was painting it, I would just use caulk, but I’m not sure what is appropriate to use with a stain.
2. Two of the edges are end grain-how do I hide that (spackle, wood filler?).
3.Will the wood glue that is showing be easily covered up with stain (I’m using General Finishes gel stain)
Thanks ahead a time for any help, it’s so appreciated.


 
  #2  
Old 02-03-21, 12:43 PM
Norm201's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 10,956
Received 721 Upvotes on 640 Posts
That's just sloppy work. If it were me I would take it off and replace. I would also give it a little bit of character if I may use that word. For instance, bevel the edges. You may be able to buy a finished piece from a lumber company or wood working store or cabinet maker.
 
  #3  
Old 02-03-21, 12:51 PM
2
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: USA near Boston, MA
Posts: 2,261
Received 388 Upvotes on 337 Posts
You should also match the wood species. Looks like he used a piece of pine framing lumber. The post could be oak, maple, poplar, or a higher grade of pine. The absorption of stain and the resulting color will not be the same on different species.
 
  #4  
Old 02-03-21, 04:07 PM
Marq1's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: USA MI
Posts: 9,745
Received 1,210 Upvotes on 1,098 Posts
Dosnt fit right, the wood types do look different, and yes the glue will block the stain so that area will stand out!
 
  #5  
Old 02-04-21, 03:58 AM
M
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA - N.E.Tn
Posts: 45,659
Received 835 Upvotes on 732 Posts
Is the newel post made from poplar? I agree the add on top piece should be of the same species. The glue will affect the wood from taking stain! the excess glue needs to be sanded off. As noted above it would be best to remove, sand to raw wood and use a different block of wood [species correct] along with a better job of installation.

almost forgot welcome to the forums!
 
  #6  
Old 02-05-21, 03:52 AM
M
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 2
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
I can’t thank everyone enough for their help. It’s very selfless and so appreciated. How would I take this **** show off, haha? He obviously used a lot of glue
 
  #7  
Old 02-05-21, 04:09 AM
M
Forum Topic Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA - N.E.Tn
Posts: 45,659
Received 835 Upvotes on 732 Posts
I'd carefully pry/scrape it off with a sharp chisel. Once it's off plan on doing some sanding.
 
  #8  
Old 02-05-21, 04:25 AM
Norm201's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 10,956
Received 721 Upvotes on 640 Posts
Take a hacksaw blade and slowly wedge it in between and cut the glue. That will be the least destructive method.
 
marksr voted this post useful.
  #9  
Old 02-05-21, 04:40 AM
J
Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: United States
Posts: 257
Received 50 Upvotes on 46 Posts
A wire saw or cable saw might work well here also.
Believe it or not, dental floss is surprisingly good in these applications sometimes.
 
2john02458 voted this post useful.
  #10  
Old 02-05-21, 05:58 AM
XSleeper's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 27,061
Received 1,910 Upvotes on 1,716 Posts
You would carefully chisel just above the bottom of the wood block, leaving about 1/16-1/8" of wood glued to the cap. Work at it from all 4 sides. You would then belt sand what's left down flat. Anything else is going to screw up the edges on top of the newel that show.
 
2john02458 voted this post useful.
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description: