Staining flawed newel post
#1
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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.
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
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
Member
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
Dosnt fit right, the wood types do look different, and yes the glue will block the stain so that area will stand out!
#5
Forum Topic Moderator
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!
almost forgot welcome to the forums!
#8
Take a hacksaw blade and slowly wedge it in between and cut the glue. That will be the least destructive method.
marksr
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#9
Member
A wire saw or cable saw might work well here also.
Believe it or not, dental floss is surprisingly good in these applications sometimes.
Believe it or not, dental floss is surprisingly good in these applications sometimes.
2john02458
voted this post useful.
#10
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.