Finishing Tips for Unfinished Furniture

STAINING

Each piece of solid wood furniture is an original, the result of nature's handiwork. Every item has its own grain pattern and color, according to the character of the wood.

Light and dark areas blend during the finishing process to produce the uniquely attractive look of real wood furniture. While you can paint, varnish or finish your furniture in other ways, one of the most commonly used finishing processes is staining and top coating.

To help you get the best results, here are tips to help you finish your furniture using this method.

Note: Stir all cans well before using and follow other instructions on container.

1. Fill nail holes with wood fill which accepts stain.
2. Sand well in the direction of the grain.On pine use #150 sandpaper. On hardwoods use #120 sandpaper.
3. Apply stain in the direction of the grain. Brush on and wipe off immediately, doing a small section at a time. Allow to dry thoroughly. For a darker color, apply a second coat of stain. Stain entire unit, inside and out. Allow to dry thoroughly. Wipe off dust.
4. Apply polyurethane. Depending on the product purchased brush or wipe on first coat, using long, even strokes. Allow to dry thoroughly.
5. Sand lightly with #400 sandpaper, in the direction of the grain. Remove all dust.
6. Apply second coat of polyurethane, as done previously. Allow to dry thoroughly.
7. Sand lightly with #400 sandpaper, in the direction of the grain. Remove all dust.
8. Apply third coat of polyurethane, as done previously. Allow to dry thoroughly.
9. Optional for oil-based polyurethane only: Apply paste finishing wax using #0000 steel wool. Allow to dry approximately 10 minutes. Buff with a soft cloth.
10. Allow min. 48 hours drying time before use (some products may require longer cure times).

PAINTING

Note: Stir all cans well before using and follow other instructions on container

1. Fill nail holes with wood fill.
   Sand well in the direction of the grain, using #150 sandpaper.
2. Apply primer. Brush on one coat of white pigmented shellac primer. On oak use white pigmented primer (not shellac based). Let dry thoroughly.
3. Sand with #150 sandpaper in the direction of the grain. Remove all dust.
4. Apply enamel. Brush on, using long, even strokes. Allow to dry thoroughly.
5. Sand lightly with #220 sandpaper, in the direction of the grain. Remove all dust.
6. Apply second coat of enamel, as done previously. Allow to dry thoroughly.
7. Allow to cure thoroughly before use.

  Additional Resources for
  Finishing Information:

• UnfinishedFurniture.org
• Wikipedia
• Minwax
• WoodAnswers.com
• The Lawrence-McFadden Co.
• Do It Yourself.com