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Finishing Tips for Ready to Finish Furniture

Before you start, keep these suggestions in mind:

  1. Always read the label! - Every product you use has its own features and application methods. Following directions exactly is the only way to ensure success. Pay particular attention to the "CAUTION" instructions.
  2. Prepare your work space - Transform any area of your home into a temporary work space by spreading plastic drop cloths, newspapers or cardboard over the entire work area to protect your floor.
  3. Good lighting is a must - Also, be sure this area has adequate ventilation and is warm and dry.
  4. SandingPrepare your surface by sanding - The secret to a good finish is a smooth start. Usesandpaper or steel wool as recommended. Sand with the grain only. Cross-grain sanding will produce scratches that will show through the finish.
  5. Always remove dust after sanding. Use a tack cloth, or a rag dampened with paint thinner. If a water-based clear finish is to be applied, vacuum all dust.
  6. Always test for color - Find an inconspicuous spot on your piece, such as the bottom or the back of a drawer, and apply some stain.
  7. Hard to reach spots - A cotton swab or pipe cleaner is great for staining the hard-to-get-at spots.
  8. Be patient - Remember when humidity is high or the weather is cold, stains and clear finishes take longer to dry.

Staining

  1. Begin staining by applying the stain generously in a circular motion with a clean, lint-free cloth or foam brush.
  2. StainingWork in small sections, completing each section before starting a new one. (Applying stain to a large area may cause the stain to tack up, making it difficult to wipe off the residue.)
  3. Remove excess stain using a clean area of the cloth by wiping with the grain. For hard to stain areas, use a small foam brush just as you would to apply any liquid stain.
  4. If too dark, simply dampen a cloth with mineral spirits and rub off stain until desired color is achieved. For a darker color, apply additional coat of stain.
  5. For best results allow overnight drying between coats. If weather conditions are humid, a minimum of 24 hours drying time between coats is recommended.

Clear Polyurethane

Protect your furniture by applying clear polyurethane over the stain to avoid marring. This clear coat will also make your furniture resistant to moisture and alcohol.

  1. FinishingTo apply the clear coat, follow the same procedure you used in applying the stain, but with one exception. When removing the excess clear coat, be sure you form a smooth pad surface with your cloth. Keep turning the cloth, always making sure it is smooth.
  2. If heavy streaks appear, either too much clear coat has been left on the surface, or your cloth surface is not smooth. Correct this by using a smoother cloth surface and stroke lightly in the direction of the grain to even out the streaks.
  3. If using a foambrush, apply the clear coat as you would a paint. Be careful not to apply heavily and level out any residue with the direction of the grain.
  4. Allow a minimum of 4 hours before applying additional coats. For best results, allow clear coat to dry overnight between coats.
  5. We do recommend 2 coats of clear polyurethane be applied to all furniture with light scuff sanding* between coats. The more coats applied, the higher the final gloss and added protection.

* For flat surfaces, scuff sand with a very fine 320 sandpaper--sanding with the grain. For mouldings, turnings, drawer fronts, and sharp edges, use "scotch bright" sanding pads or 4/0 steel wool. Do not use sandpaper. Clean surfaces with a tack cloth or mineral spirits dampened cloth. Repeat process after each coat until desired gloss is achieved.