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Sean Troy
11-12-2011, 2:01 PM
On average, how soon can I apply poly after an oil based stain? Thanks.
John TenEyck
11-12-2011, 2:13 PM
Depends, but generally after 24 hours for solvent based poly and 48 hours (or more) for waterbased.
Howard Acheson
11-12-2011, 3:03 PM
What does it say on the label on the can of stain? In the absence of the information, I would allow at least 24-48 hours.
John TenEyck
11-12-2011, 3:55 PM
What does it say on the label on the can of stain? In the absence of the information, I would allow at least 24-48 hours.

Good advise, but on a can of Zar Oil Based Stain I recently bought it says it can be top coated after 3 hours. That's right, 3 hours. No way. It was still tacky after 8 hours. Moral of the story? Always test the products and process on samples.
Sean Troy
11-12-2011, 4:24 PM
It doesn't say, just 4-6 hours before another coat of stain.
Bill White
11-12-2011, 4:39 PM
Poly???? Yuck. Why?
Let the stain cure for at least 24 hrs.
What are ya finishing?
Bill
Sean Troy
11-12-2011, 9:59 PM
They are stair treads.
Bill White
11-13-2011, 11:18 AM
OK. You're forgiven.
Bill
Howard Acheson
11-14-2011, 3:03 PM
>>>> on a can of Zar Oil Based Stain I recently bought it says it can be top coated after 3 hours.

While I would not recommend it, 3 hours is probably OK with an oil stain under an oil based varnish. Oxygen can get through the varnish allowing the curing of the stain binder to continue to cure. During the first 3 hours, the thinners will evaporate and then the oxidation curing process begins.
Prashun Patel
11-14-2011, 3:11 PM
Howard is an expert, so take his advice over my experience, which is that brushing or wiping an oil based top coat too quickly over an oil based stain can cause the color to lift or thin out in spots. I'd be as patient as time permits.
Howard Acheson
11-15-2011, 6:40 PM
Howard is an expert, so take his advice over my experience, which is that brushing or wiping an oil based top coat too quickly over an oil based stain can cause the color to lift or thin out in spots. I'd be as patient as time permits.

I agree with you totally. My post was to explain why a manufacturer is able to allow re-coating in three hours. I let oil based stain dry at least 6 hours before re-coating and at least 24 hours before over-coating with oil based finish. I allow 4-5 days if over coating with waterborne finish.