When i make a shelf for mineratures out of balsa wood, Can you stain it? and if so will that make it stronger?

Answer 1

My guess would have been that it would probably stain fine, but perhaps be darker on the sides of the cut ends (crossgrain).

After trying to stain pine (without a "conditioner' first) though, I've always been wary of staining without trying a bit first!
Pine has a lot of areas which don't accept the stain to the same degree as other areas, or accept it more, so that the coverage doesn't end up even --darker here, lighter there (and probably not the way you want it).
You can prevent that by using a coat of clear wood conditioner ("sealer"?) before using the stain (available anywhere stains are sold).

I just read though that balsa is actuallly a "hardwood" even though it has a soft surface. The surface does seem even though, but your best bet would be to try a small area first.

Here's a page that has some instructions for staining balsa (larger pieces though):
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cda/article_print/0,1983,HGTV_3379_4426622_ARTICLE-DETAIL-PRINT,00.html

You could always paint your balsa with a few coats of acrylic paint, or any paint I guess. Acrylics thinned with water can resemble stains too, and oil based paints can too since they're more transparent (but take a long time to dry).


Good luck!

Diane B.

Answer 2

You shouldn't get that much dust. You must have some calm days. You're best bet is to get a regular Minwax stain where you brush it on and wipe it off then use a gel polyurethane where you rub it in and wipe off excess. This way you have very thin coats which do not get as dusty.

Answer 3

Not a good wood for a shelf. Try pine it isn't too expensive as woods go

Answer 4

You can stain it but it wont make it stronger

Answer 5

Hi
All my minatures are on glass shelfs.Glass is easy to clean when dust gets on it.

Answer 6

you can paint it with some kind of paint and i think it will become stronger.