laciefae Posted January 14, 2012 Share Posted January 14, 2012 (edited) I recently got the handley house unfinished victorian sofa. I sanded all the sharp edges to soften them and carved the oval and additional scrollwork into the back, and it's looking great! Now it's time to stain it, and here's where I'm stuck. My work area is a table in my living room, I REALLY don't want to work with open containers of stain. I was wondering if anyone has used those stain pens they make for touch-ups? I understand some of them are good enough (and hold enough stain) to stain small pieces such as this. Any suggestions? Edited January 14, 2012 by laciefae Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfire Posted January 14, 2012 Share Posted January 14, 2012 I have used the stain pens almost exclusively since I discovered them. I have used them for furniture, for floors, for wood trim and any other touch up needed. After saying that it will be more expensive for large areas (pen) then the small cans of stain but I love them. They are easier and cleaner to use. So for furniture pieces they are fine, a lot of staining, the cans are more economical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laciefae Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share Posted January 15, 2012 Thank you so much, now I can buy them with confidence:))) I'm looking forward to getting past the staining so I can get onto the upholstery. Going to order them now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I can't remember who posted about it, but someone has successfully refilled the pens, which you could do outside in a well-vented area with your cans of stain, which might be more cost effective. Are the tips fine enough to get down into the carving? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I, too, use the pens almost exclusively. Holly, the tips become soft and squish down into the tiniest carved details. To refill, use a tweezer to pull out the felt tip. Use a glue syringe or similar to refill. If you're careful and don't mash down hard on the felt tip when prompting a flow of stain, they will last through a few fillings. I'd love to know if replacement tips for the pens are available. I'd be set for life, then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I wonder if you could make new tips from really fine, dense foam or other spongey stuff? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I wonder if you could make new tips from really fine, dense foam or other spongey stuff? Getting them cut to the exact size might be a challenge. You wouldn't want stain running out the sides. Maybe tightly rolled felt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Wow. I do things the hard way. I stain in the garage with a small sponge brush or fine bristle brush. I have the pens, but never thought about using them on mini projects. I just didn't think they would last long enough. I will have to give it a shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 That's OK, Greg, if I'm not staining pieces small enough to dunk into the can of stain I dip a rag of one of the hubs' old teeshirts into the stain and apply it that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nathaniel Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I NEVER thought of using stain pens!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 What I can't drop into the can of stain and fish back out with the reverse tweezers gets the ol' teeshirt rag dip & rub treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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