refinishing a desk: old masters gel stain dark mahogony over a veneer

[Mike Hopkins62]

Hello

I am using Old Masters gel stain for the fist time and I could use some advice. I put on one coat and I can tell I will need at least one additional coat. Between coats should I use 000 or 0000 steel wool? Or sandpaper? Also can I touch up parts of the desk with nicks and dings with this? (the desk has a poly finish)

After I reach the color that matches the rest of the desk are there recommendations for topcoats. I have Watco Dark walnut stain That I am considering but I am afraid that it might be a bad idea. If I make my own wipe on poly, is 50/50 about the right percentage mix for a poly/paint thinner? How many coats of wipe on are needed to build up a decent finish? Is there an advantage of using turpentine over paint thinner? Would naptha be better or does it not really matter?

I know it is a pile of questions I posed here, but I am trying to get this right so thanks in advance for your help.

Mike

[Howard Acheson]

No sanding between coats is required. In fact, sanding would probably create uneven coloring. According to the directions, let the first coat fully dry and then apply your following coat.

[Mike Hopkins62]

Howie -

Thanks for your response and the desk is starting to look good (at least to my eyes...and more importantly to my wife's eyes). I will post pictures when I am further along. I now have two coats of a walnut gel stain on top of this bookmatched veneered top and I want to put something on top. Would you have any concerns about puting Watco Light Walnut or Watco Dark Walnut over top a gel stain? I have only used clear Watco on solid woods befor and I hope to avoid making a big mistake at this juncture of putting finishes together that should not mix.

Thanks again,

Mike