Water Base Poly over Water Base Stain

[Ed Gibbons]

Can I use a water based poly finish over a water based dye or stain?

[Steve Schoene]

The answer is: it depends. Water based stains (really water borne) have pigment (and/or) dye in a binder. The binder cures and after that occurs there is not problem applying waterborne acrylic (with or without poly) as topcoat. However, dyes mixed with water whether TransTint or similar universal solvent concentrates, or water soluble powdered dyes remain soluble in water even after it has dried. In that case using a waterborne topcoat can cause the dye to lift. This is especially true with hand applied finishes. Sprayed waterborne finish, with initial coats applied quite dry, can likely be used without causing the dye to run, assuming the applicator is sufficiently skilled.

[John TenEyck]

If the dye is soluble in water only, like Transfast, and you don't have spray equipment, you can first seal the dye with a coat of dewaxed shellac then apply your WB topcoat w/o fear of it lifting the dye. If you have spray equipment, you can just spray on your WB topcoat. As long as you avoid runs the dye will stay put. It the dye is soluble in both water and alcohol, like Transtint, then you can either seal and topcoat with oil based products applied anyway you want, or you can spray shellac and water based ones, at least for the first coat.

John

[Phil Thien]

I've had both water-based dyes and stains lift with water-based top-coats. The advice to spray the top coat is good advice.

[Don Selke]

John hit the nail on the head, use a coat of dewaxed shellac over the stain. A one lb. cut is all you need, all you want is a barrier coat over the stain.

[Jay Park]

When in doubt dewaxed shellac :)