More Tips for Staining and Refinishing Furniture, continued | |
Work in Manageable Sections -- Decide which sections to work on first. For a table you may want to turn it over and stain the underside first. Once the stain has been applied and wiped down you can begin another section. Leave the most visible areas -- such as the tabletop -- as the last area to be stained. Take it Off -- Removing the stain you've applied is one of the most important steps since it is what will allow the natural wood grain to show through. Read the instructions on the can of stain for important information about both staining and removing the stain. Don't Let Stain Sit Too Long -- From your sample tests you should have a good idea of how long to let the stain sit before wiping it off. Test the first section by wiping away a small area of stain after a minute or two. Reapply if it should sit a few minutes longer. Don't wait until the stain becomes tacky, however, as it will turn splotchy and be extremely difficult to remove. Ragging Off -- Be sure you have a big supply of rags on hand, especially if your project is large. Clean lint-free rags are the best way to remove a layer of stain. Paint stores sell bags of rags for this purpose. Check to make sure these rags are large enough for your project. (Some rags are cut-up remnants from making T-shirts and are too small and oddly-shaped, making them more difficult to work with.) Let Dry -- Once the staining is complete, let your pieces dry undisturbed in an area that's free from dust and breezes. Check the can's instructions on drying time which will vary by manufacturer. Humidity levels in your area can also be a factor. Letting pieces dry at least 24 hours will generally be adequate for most projects. Run a Hand -- Before processing pieces any further be sure they are dry and clean. If you can feel areas of raised grain then a light sanding might be in order to knock down the grain. Clean well before applying polyurethane or another finish. Polyurethane Tips -- Many projects can be finished by applying two or more coats of a water based latex polyurethane. These are available in a range of glosses from matte to high gloss. The liquid is often milky in appearance but dries clear. Sand lightly between coats for the smoothest finish. Apply more coats to the areas of the furniture that will receive the most wear. Other Finishes -- Furniture can have other finishes besides polyurethane. Wax, shellac, and oil are all popular for adding a protective sheen to wood. Inquire at a home center or obtain a book on refinishing for more about these options. |
| ~ Glenna Morton |
| previous |1 |2 |
