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Staining your own furniture is a great way to get a custom look while saving money. If you don't know where to start, home-repair expert Kaile Warren shares tips and tricks for getting a professional look when staining.
• When selecting unfinished wood, look for knots. Avoid knots with cracks (figure A) that might chip and deteriorate, especially if they are near the edge of the furniture. Even worse are black knots (figure B), which will fall out over time.
Staining
Steps:
1. When you first buy the furniture, let it acclimate in the environment in which it will be used. Let it sit in the room for two or three days to see if any cracks develop. Once you stain a piece you will not be able to return it, but it can be returned if it is still unfinished.
2. Sand the wood lightly with 220-grit sandpaper, which is fine enough to remove particles and dirt but won't leave permanent scratches. Wipe off sawdust with a clean cloth.
3. Let the furniture sit for five to 10 minutes to let the dust particles settle, then use a piece of tack cloth to lightly rub the wood to pick up any remaining particles.
4. Coat the furniture with wood conditioner so the wood takes the stain evenly. Don't shake the conditioner to mix, but stir gently. The conditioner will darken the wood slightly while it is wet. Let dry for eight to 10 hours.
5. Gently sand and wipe with a clean cloth.
6. Apply the stain in the direction of the grain with a brush (figure C). Allow to dry for two to three days.
7. Be sure to lightly sand and wipe between coats of color.
