Ten Quick Tips for Staining Wood Furniture

I love to paint unfinished wood. I have done book shelves, CD shelves and bookcases, too. It is a lot of fun, not only to paint, but to stain. Staining is completely different from painting. With these ten tips, you will find staining your favorite unfinished wood or furniture much easier!

Match you project with your stain. If you are doing a large project, like a bookcase, then you might want to use a non-craft stain. Paint stores carry them in an assortment of colors. To use this type of stain, follow these simple rules:

• Sand your project before you begin. Unfinished furniture has little sanding done to it when it is assembled, and desperately needs some attention to the details.

• It is always best to use a palm sander or even hand sand. This way you have better control and have less gouges in your project.

• Always sand with the grain. If you go against the grain, then the stain will show it. You might not be able to see it right away, but after you apply the stain, you will be sorry.

• Never seal the wood prior to staining. If you do this, then there is no place for the stain to sink into and it will just 'sit' on top of the wood and make a mess.

• Use cotton gloves or a tack cloth to 'dust' your project to make sure it is clean; that there is no dust or residue left to gum up the project.

• Always choose your shade of stain that closely matches what you are truly looking for. (Some people think if they go for a dark stain, it will actually come out lighter.) If you are starting with light wood, like unfinished wood, you may need to darken it later. This might sound silly, but you will know what I mean the first time you do it.

• Stain can be applied with any sort of brush, roller, or cloth, whichever you prefer, but make sure you cover it evenly. The last thing you want is your masterpiece resembling a zebra.

• Always use full strokes and follow the grain of the wood, just as you sanded. This will make for less streaks and a much better appearance when it dries. (Again, less like a zebra.)

• When you are done, you will want to go over it again with a cloth to absorb any leftover stain or puddles, so it dries evenly over night.

• When the stain has completely dried, and it is the color you like, then you can begin sealing the wood. If it is not the color you like, then you can apply another coat of stain.

Keep in mind that nothing is permanent. Even after you seal the stain, if you find you want it darker, then just sand it down to remove the seal and you can apply another coat of stain.

Sources:

Personal Experience

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