Looking for staining suggestions

RussPrince

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have an older "Big G" gandy that I would like to somehow stain to give it a darker/greyer finish on the laminate rails. I have no idea what type of product would be useful for the rails of a pool table. It's some kind of typical laminate that has a wood finish look to it. I'd be happy if I could get it to look much darker if not even near black.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
im guessing even the best possible paint/coverup job will still be inadequate. im going to try to re-laminate the table
 
Your best bet is to go to a paint store, even Home depot and pick up a few black swatches.
Flat, Satin, Semi and Gloss.

Lay them on the rails to see which you would like.
 
I have an older "Big G" gandy that I would like to somehow stain to give it a darker/greyer finish on the laminate rails. I have no idea what type of product would be useful for the rails of a pool table. It's some kind of typical laminate that has a wood finish look to it. I'd be happy if I could get it to look much darker if not even near black.

Any help would be appreciated.

Java Gel stain. This stuff works and it actually looks great:

http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2013/05/how-to-stain-ugly-oak-wood-darker-easily.html

You will have to clean the laminate very well with thinner (mineral spirits or a cleaning solvent) and sand the laminate with 220 wet to allow it to adhere. You can try one rail first to see if you like it. Use a clear coat to protect it. I used it on a fireplace mantle an it came out beautiful. It will get very dark with repeat coats. I had excellent results with a brush - it's self leveling.
 
Last edited:
im guessing even the best possible paint/coverup job will still be inadequate. im going to try to re-laminate the table

Probably would be better but look into having a pro do it for you. Laminating large surfaces is not the easiest thing to get right. (se next post for a suggestion).
 
Last edited:
Well I finally got moved into my new house and set up the man cave up in the bonus room. Thanks all for the suggestions, the car wrap worked out unbelievably well. It's like it's factory black.

Here's a before shot at the house where I bought the table:

pooltable.jpg


And here's some shots with the wrap and new sights and tournament blue simonis hr cloth:
image_150406175922.jpg

image_150406180309.jpg

image_150406175923.jpg


Plays great and look forward to getting a lot of good practice out of this table.
 
Back
Top