How to Stain Furniture

To give a room a cohesive feel, try staining all the furniture the same color.

The owners lost the orangey-brown color by staining the existing furniture a dark espresso.

Materials and Tools:

tinted varnish
clear varnish
gel stain
liquid sander
150-grit sandpaper
paint tray
foam paint roller
paint brush

1. Sand the entire piece of furniture and remove dust.

2. Clean and de-gloss with a liquid sander to ensure the stain will adhere to the old finish.

3. Mix three parts gel stain with one part tinted varnish. Apply in smooth even coats using a brush and foam roller. Let dry.

4. Apply extra coats until desired color is reached. Let dry.

5. Apply a top coat with clear varnish for extra protection.

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