I would avoid the Polyshades at all costs. It's a terrible product. Interestingly, I've just finishing reading a finishing book from 1954 that even way back talks about the poor results from the all-in-one stain and varnish products.

Yes, you can use a glaze. I frequently use glazes to do final adjustments on finish when I'm trying to do color matching.

To prep, do a light scuff sanding with either P400 sandpaper or light gray Scotch-Brite pads (or both). Wipe off the dust.

I buy oil-based glazes from my local independent paint store. They use a Valspar glaze base and have formulae to create different shades from the base and UTCs. "Van Dyke Brown" would be a good place to start, being a dark brown. I'm sure any _GOOD_ paint store an do the same. The aproned guys/gals are likely to not have a clue.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://woodfinishersdepot.com/product_info.php?cPath=40&products_id=420

Thanks for the responses. Will visit the local shop for some oil-based glaze. Appreciate your expertise!

I've used Minwax Polyshades on the old "grained" woodwork in our 1865 home. The color was faded (and in some rooms, almost gold). Applied carefully, the polyurethane-stain darkened it nicely with some of the original graining coming through. It looks pretty nice for old wood.

bobismyuncle, I am one of those aproned guys... You might be surprised at what they know.

Um, Bob's post to which you responded is almost 3 years old.

Um, what difference does that make. And thank you for your "kindness" in pointing that out...

Walk into 10 big box home centers and ask for "oil-based VanDyke glaze." See how many understand what you want. I'm not saying they are all totally uninformed, but the chances, I think, are slim.