Staining wood furniture can be a tedious process, but the result can be very rewarding when done right. If you are on a tight budget and want a new look for your home, staining your old furniture could be the best way to go. As well as making it look like new, wood stain protects your furniture so it will last another 20 years! Before staining your furniture, though, be sure to check these guidelines:
Choosing Color
Make sure you know what color you want for your furniture. It doesn’t matter if the existing color of the wood is dark or light. If it is dark and you want light, you can always bleach the wood before staining.
Temperature
Make sure your work area is at a comfortable temperature. Too hot or too cold can interfere with the drying time of wood stain.
Do You Have Enough?
ALWAYS make sure you have enough stain. The worst thing that can happen is to run out of wood stain in the middle of the project.
Missing Pieces
Check wooden surfaces for dents, stains, or missing parts. Be sure to have your pieces repaired before starting to stain.
Now you are ready to stain the wood. These steps will guide you through the task:
Prepare the wood.
If the wood is already stained, painted or sealed, the surface must be sanded to ensure a uniform surface. Use quality sandpaper for extended use. The newer the wood, the finer the sandpaper. Begin sanding the surface in the direction of the wood grain. Be sure to keep brushing off the dust to make sure you aren’t focusing on one area too much.
Apply the stain.
Use a brush to apply the first coat of stain. Be sure to wear a mask to protect against fumes. Always work in a well ventilated area.
Wipe the stain.
For each application be sure to smooth out the stain with a rag or a piece of cloth in the direction of the wood grain. If you notice an irregularity in color, use a damp cloth with a small amount of stain and wipe the excess surface area to smooth it out.
Let dry and seal.
After completing the application, allow the wood to dry for a couple of hours before sealing the wood with a glaze to preserve your work.
It is not hard to restore wood furniture that you want to keep.
With the right care you can enjoy your furniture for many years to come.