Wiping Varnish over Stain

[Admiral]

I'm finishing two bath vanities, dark cherry stain per SWMBO's stated desire, and mixed my own oil based poly wiping varnish by thinning with MS. Wiping varnish works great on test pieces, but when applied to the stained wood it also thins out the stain and changes the color that I strove mightily to make consistent on the two cabinets and on frame panel wainscoting. Stain has dried for 3 days. How can I prevent changes in color?

My thought is to either let the stain dry further, or apply a spit coat of shellac as a sealer prior to applying the poly wipe on. Thoughts or other suggestions from the brain trust?

Thx. 

PS, I love the woodworking, hate the finishing.

[fredhargis]

The spit coat of shellac will be the easiest, and what I would do.

[Rob Young]

The spit coat of shellac will be the easiest, and what I would do.

This.  The non-rattling rattle can of Zinsser Bullseye will do the trick. Or get a can of Sealcoat and cut it 50:50 with denatured alcohol from the hardware store.

[Admiral]

Thanks guys for the confirm input. I've got super blonde dewaxed flakes and will roll my own.

[jteneyck]

If the stain is really dry the wiping varnish won't lift the stain.  If it's not, then spraying shellac first is the way to go.  Notice I said to spray the shellac.  If the stain is not completely dry, or has no binder in it, then wiping or brushing on shellac will lift the stain just as the wiping varnish did.

No matter what, the varnish will change the color from what you have after staining.  Make samples first from start to finish.  That's the only way to know how it will look when you are done.  

John

[bhh]

Flexner just posted a blog entry on that this week http://www.popularwoodworking.com/woodwo...ing-finish