Staining Basics

Home-improvement Bruce Johnson demonstrates wood-staining basics.

Materials:

sander
variety of paintbrushes
unfinished wood furniture
rubber gloves
clean rubbing cloth
variety of stains and a one-step stain/finish
pre-stain sealer
block sander or palm sander

Steps:

1. Prepare the wood by sanding with a palm sander or block sander. Be sure to sand WITH the grain of the wood to avoid making scratches that might adversely affect the staining process.

2. Condition the wood by applying a pre-stain sealer 15 minutes before applying the stain (figure A).

3. Let the stain soak in for a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on how much color you want to add.

4. Wipe off excess with clean cloth (figure B).

Tips

• Oil-based stains can be applied with a rag or brush, after the conditioner is applied.

• Aerosol stains allow for reaching intricate or hard-to-reach surfaces. Don't forget to wipe off the excess.

• Gel stains are good to use on vertical surfaces, because they don't run.

• A water-based stain gives a wider variety of colors and doesn't have the fumes of oil-based.

• Rub water-based stain into wood and wipe off excess. Stay away from rags with lint.

• For a one-step finish, be neater and more careful to avoid wiping off any excess.

• Use synthetic bristles with water-based stain.

• Use natural bristles with oil-based stain.

• Use medium sandpaper before staining. Medium is anything over 100 grit.

• If bubbles show up in the finish, it could be because a sponge brush is being used. Try a bristle brush to avoid this.