blotchy pine interior window stain by contractor

11 years ago

Our general contractor, who is a Pella dealer, stained all of our new construction Anderson (interior pine) windows without using a conditioner first and the stain is blotchy & greatly varied in color. The window trim is a darkly stained knotty alder & looks awful with the pine interior. We were told they could match anything. I feel this is grossly unprofessional & voiced my concerns. They told me they never condition before staining & later quit. What, if anything, can we do to remedy this situation? Would a toner help? It's about 40g's in windows or whatever it would cost for someone to refinish & the extra time not getting into our new home. Thanks.

Comments (6)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
11 years ago
This is definitely a situation where you need to engage a very good painter/finisher.

They can work miracles in these type of scenarios and you might have to go a shade darker across all of them to standardize the color but that is difficult to say without seeing the windows.
puppewindows
Original Author
11 years ago
would using a toner help with this? I included a pic of one window. we called a professional & he said a toner would darken the pine to match but would like to know your thoughts. thanks.
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brickeyee
11 years ago
"would using a toner help with this? "

Only if you cn find someone who REALLY knows how to even up the color.

The toner is NOT applied in a uniform coat.

After the color is fixed, a clear top coat is applied to protect everything.
toddinmn
11 years ago
The trim looks more blotchy than the windows.I think the variations in color is normal especially with a pine. The only thing that looks bad is the color match to the trim. Did the contractor provide a stain sample before the work was done? Usually when I bring in some wood to be matched my painter usually says what part of the sample do you want me to match.I never use conditioners either and don't like them. I would recomend to have the painter to do 1 window first this go around.
lkbum_gw
11 years ago
You just need to get a better painter. The following photo is of pine window interior and poplar trim. Poplar has big dark green splotches. I was really worried about the match. Good painter = good results.
Jumpilotmdm
11 years ago
Nice job on the Poplar.
It looks like the pine vs. trim situation was just a poor match. I'm sure you made it clear you were trying to match, didn't you? A sample or samples would have definitely helped.
A remedy will need the same thing; SAMPLES. I would recruit a painter willing to take the time & energy to get a good match, teaming up with the paint store to do so although some will mix it themselves. Be sure he uses parts from different places on the job as pine is characteristically uneven just by nature.
Was the first try top-coated with poly or something similar?