Sandpaper comes in grades (or grits). Varnishes protect with a thin coating. Do not use any tools without proper training, precautions, and supervision.). You DO NOT need to sand down to bare wood. Oak, ash, and chestnut handle stain well, but wood such as maple, poplar, and birch do not handle stain … For additional water resistance and durability, you can add a layer of polyurethane, shellac, lacquer, or some other type of sealer. You have to have the right tools, the right kind of wood for the project, and plenty of time for the longer stages of the process, like sanding and finishing. If you worry about the grain raising after staining i would recommend wetting the surface evenly with water after doing initial sanding then finish sand when dry. Lacquer and varnish are film-forming top coats used to protect and add luster to wood, and are typically applied over stain after it's dry. Step 5: When you’re done sanding, wipe down the piece with your tack cloth and apply a second coat of polyurethane. With those you would be better off to stop at 120 or 150. Imagine that the first piece of wood was sanded with 120-grit sandpaper. Do I need to sand before applying gel stain? This will smooth out the surface and get rid of the bubbles that didn’t pop when the first coat was drying. For previously finished wood, yes, you need to sand before applying gel stain. Press Esc to cancel. Step 3:  Yes! Step 2: When you’ve finished painting the stain on, let it sit for 5–15 minutes to soak in, then grab your rag and gently wipe the piece down. If you put a little bit too much on, just gently brush it out over the unstained areas. Note: There are a number of finishes you can use. Q: My childhood dresser is beautiful but the wood stain looks faded. No spam; unsubscribe anytime. Varnish … And the process isn’t as difficult as you probably think it is, either. For example, the piece I’m working with for this post will be the new top to an Ikea dresser. Staining and finishing wood is an easy way to make it beautiful and durable for any project. Certain types of wood just don’t work well with traditional stains. You will need to let the stain dry for about 48 hours before you can varnish … Please click the link in the email I just sent you—I just need to confirm it's really you to prevent spam :), Copyright by Brittany Goldwyn, 2020 | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. That will only raise the grain of the wood even more, and you will simply have to repeat the entire process again. … A wood stain helps to protect your wooden project. It’s important to wipe away excess stain as you apply each coat. you don’t need to sand after staining. In this guide, we will talk about the necessity of sanding and the points at which you should sand during a project, specifically a piece of furniture. Removing Stain Set out a drop cloth or a thick layer of newspapers and place the wood object on top of it. Follow the directions and warnings from your particular brand. Aluminum oxide sandpaper will self-sharpen as you use it. To counteract this effect, try using a pre-stain or conditioner on the wood before you stain it. It is such an easy way to give a piece more depth or to add a classic touch to a piece and make it look more expensive. differences between polyurethane and polycrylic, Miscellaneous: Drop cloth for work area, screw driver to open cans and stir, disposable gloves. Some projects may be fine with only a coat of stain. Saturate the wood with stain by brushing a liberal coat quickly over the entire surface. Type above and press Enter to search. Paint thinner works best for thinning varnish. With 150 or 180 sandpaper, there is less of a scratch pattern, fewer marks. I love staining wood. Dry faster, enabling you to stain and finish in one day. You can just lightly pass the sandpaper over the surface, working with the grain of the wood. After the old stain is gone, applying new stain is relatively simple. If you want a very smooth, finely sanded surface, try a higher grit, like 150 or 180, or even higher depending on the project. Step 1: If you didn’t have to strip a finish off of your piece, go ahead and use a fine grit (like#220) sandpaper to polish your piece. Applying polyurethane after staining is a little trickier, but the ability to sand out issues and apply multiple coats makes it pretty forgiving as well. If you are planning to use white pine, limit yourself to light stains only. Start at the top and work your way down. Medium grits are typically best for removing finishes (#120 and #150), and very fine grits (like#220) are used to buff a piece of wood before sanding or between finish coats. Step 3: Yes! Since Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner causes the wood fibers to swell, you will need to lightly sand the surface with a fine grade sandpaper 15-30 minutes after … Below are before and after photos of a bench I used an electric sander to sand the finish off of. This coarser type of sandpaper leaves a different scratch pattern on the surface of the wood. Brush a coat of polyurethane varnish onto the surface, then finish … Check boxes below for what you want to see—I won't send you anything else. Those bubbles drive me insane ;) Hope to see it on your Ikea dresser. When using Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, allow it to penetrate for 1-5 minutes, then remove any excess. You don’t need to use too much; a little bit goes a long way. 5. Keep in mind that you will probably have to do a few coats of stain to provide the level of protection you want for your project. That way, you won’t have sticky buildup to deal with when it’s time to move on and add a fresh layer. Paint, on the other hand, sits on top of the wood surface. Isn’t it pretty? Apply a generous amount of stain to the floor or project and work it into the grain and then wipe it right off. When you're through, toss the roller sleeve and let the wet varnish dry in the pan. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But the result in the end is worth it! The piece of wood I’m working with for this tutorial is unfinished. our recommendation is that you avoid sanding after staining or simply use a very gentle scuff sanding method if you notice roughness. When you’ve removed the finish completely, brush off the bulk of the dust and wipe down the entire piece using tack cloth. As far as wood conditioners go, many experts and DIYers swear by Minwax. Just dip the rag in the stain and wipe it on the piece!) Some finish also needs around 72 hours of the drying process. Cherry, mahogany, and similar woods don’t need much or any color, so it’s best to use light or transparent stains, so the natural grain and colors shine through. If this is one of your first woodworking projects, and you are not confident handling the staining or sanding portion of the project by yourself, we would suggest enlisting a knowledgeable friend or family member to help you through each stage. Do not raise the grain, eliminating the need for additional sanding. Sand thoroughly before you apply the first coat of stain. When you apply the stain … It’s okay if you want to stain a finished piece of wood…you just have to sand everything off first! If you do find you need … Pour some varnish into the tray and use it just like a paint rolling tray. When applied, the stain acts as a binder, securing the wood against humidity, rot, and other types of decay. Cherry, mahogany, and similar woods don’t need much or any color, so it’s best to use light or transparent stains, so the natural grain and colors shine through. Some manufacturers may include recommendations for sanding after staining or between coats, while others do not. Yes! Keep in mind that if you don’t sand the wood well enough and the flaws still show after you’ve applied the stain or finish, you can always remove the stain or finish at any time using a paint-and-varnish remover (or simply paint thinner for stain alone) and start over. What you probably have from using the birch ply, even with the minwax stain… Immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth. Just use a paintbrush or a rag to lay a thin layer of the stain and let it dry. Applying a stain is a bit trickier than sealers, and is best left to professionals. I’d love to update it with fresh paint and new hardware, but I’ve heard that you can’t get good results painting over stain. And that can sometimes reveal additional imperfections that you didn’t see before. Keep adding varnish as you need it, but try to plan so you end up with an empty tray. After this, let the stain dry for about 24 hours (up to 48 hours if you’re working in a super humid environment). Check boxes below for what you want to see—I won't send you anything else. It can serve as a barrier to some moisture, especially if you use a water-resistant exterior paint, but it will eventually chip, thin, or flake off, and then the wood underneath will be completely vulnerable. The headboard itself is rough/rustic … It basically fills in the pores and sinks in between the fibers of the wood, creating a barrier against moisture, which could cause rot and weakening of the wood. Woodworking and furniture craftsmanship can be tricky. One more thing to keep in mind is that sandpaper, while it has a smoothing effect overall, tends to open up the grain of the wood more, especially when you are using a coarser type of sandpaper. Thank you! You need to wait for one to two days in most cases. However, it is incredibly important if you want a truly beautiful, smooth result at the end of the project. If you do not sand well, and you simply do a rough job of it, you will have exposed, open cells in the grain that soak in too much stain and create a much greater, darker contrast than you are probably looking for. After the panels are done, do … That’s okay, just slowly brush over the bubbles to smooth them out. If you are not sure how firmly to sand, watch a video that demonstrates the “scuff sanding” technique. You may be wondering if you can simply use paint over the wood and leave it at that. Me too. Two coats is often enough, but you can repeat step #4 and do a third coat if you’d like. Make sure you apply your stain (and polyurethane) in a well-ventilated area. Wipe off the excess stain using a clean cloth. For many people, the sanding part of the job is the least favorite. Once you have finished your staining you will need to apply a coat of clear, either varnish or polyurethane, without a coat of clear the stain will slowly be worn away with wear and tear. Others will need additional protection from wear and the elements. Varnishing. It is best to sand very lightly, using very fine sandpaper like 220 grit. The aggressive scratches of the sandpaper leave more scratches, so when you add stain on top of that, the pigment particles in the stain have more places to lodge and add that darkening effect. Then, using tack cloth, wipe down the piece to remove any small pieces of dust. [CDATA[ amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bybrigol-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Supplies:"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "504998ad125a482e7cc7df2304506c6a"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00CXCG08O,B00LI166GC,B00FMKABZ2,B003L2DDAI,B01GWD3LVS,B01GEUA2PC,B01D8UD70I,B01FRNXTAM"; // ]]> Can I use same process from going from a darker stain to a white stain. Ultimately, our recommendation is that you avoid sanding after staining or simply use a very gentle scuff sanding method if you notice roughness. If you take a look at three different pieces of wood, all the same type of lumber, that have been sanding at different points during the finishing process, or with a different grit level of sandpaper, you will find that every one of them has a slightly different hue to the grain. Come in a wider range of vibrant stain … Are lower in odor than oil-based stains. Sand a few times, with progressively finer grit sandpaper. I’m just using polyurethane for this tutorial. So I applied another coat of stain on top, thinking it would even things out. After applying the stain, you won’t need to sand between coats of oil-based stain. Brush the stain. Wood must be unfinished to be stained. Some soft woods, such as the less expensive pine you buy at the box stores can become blotchy after you stain them. Instead, wipe the surface down with a soft, dry cloth, or you can vacuum the surface carefully to remove that extra dust. You don’t want to be trapped in a room with this stuff! Polyurethane forms a thicker, hard coating that is very durable and more waterproof than varnish. You can also practice using scrap lumber, so you get a feel for the process and products that seem to work best for you and yield the final result you want for the piece you are creating. Stain usually cannot be removed after application, so it’s better to apply thinner coats and add more as needed, rather than apply too much and have a darker color than you want. You need to put a layer of finish over the stain first or you will remove color, for sure. Have a piece I want to to change to a white washed look..your piece is beautiful!! Staining results are always better when working with fresh, untreated wood. Major upgrade! If the stain begins to dry before you wipe it off, you're tackling too much area; this is more likely to happen using water-based stain. Now you need to apply the stain … Break down the edges for a more finished look. When it dries, just peel the varnish … Then, beginning on one side of the piece, start painting the stain on in the direction of the wood grain. … Ace's recommendation is good to build up a few layers then sand with 320. Allow the stain to dry 6 to 8 hours. Don’t leave any puddles or wet spots. After the stain has dried, it’s time for the first finishing coat. This post shares tips about how to stain and finish wood. Sometimes referred to generically, lacquer and varnish are not the same thing. Do a clean job at the joints, staying with the wood grain direction. Oak, ash, and chestnut handle stain well, but wood such as maple, poplar, and birch do not handle stain very well at all. They can become splotchy and discolored when you try to stain them. Many of the bubbles will also pop as the finish dries. Basically, conditioner will stabilize the wood to allow stain to penetrate more evenly. This is what makes using gel stain … You can use an electric sander, a handle hand sander, or even just a piece of sand paper. There are a few important things to remember, do not sand at this stage if you do you will risk sanding through the stain … Thanks for signing up! If you like woodworking projects that involve staining, check out my doll house book case build plans, my DIY paver and wood outdoor coffee table, and our AC unit screen. For the best outcome, remove any grime, dust, or debris by roughing-up and cleaning the old coat of varnish first. Some people like to begin with 100 grit, then move to 150 grit, and end with a round of 220 grit. Do NOT skip wood conditioner. So if you want additional control over your coloring, you can think about adjusting the type of sandpaper you are using. For more details, review my privacy policy. Use your fingers to feel the surface before and after sanding to see the difference. Sometimes, depending on the wood you are using or the type of stain you have purchased, you will find that the water component of the stain has lifted the grain again, making it more prominent and rendering the top surface of the wood rougher than you would like. Require only soap and water for clean-up. Minwax tends to be the go-to name in pre-stains and pre-treatment, so if you are not sure where to begin, we would suggest starting out with a good Minwax wood conditioner, followed by a high-quality stain. Again, watch for side drips! You don't need to remove all of the old stain to apply darker stain. And yes, staining is a fantastic way to add character and warmth to your project! It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. The type of wood you are using for the project has an effect on how well the stain is accepted. Do you Need to Seal Wood After Staining it? Stir the stain well, then use a clean cloth to rub the stain into the wood in a circular motion. Continue applying thin layers of stain and allow each layer to dry thoroughly before you add the next one. When you are staining, make sure you keep a wet edge and stain the entire project in one session without stopping if at all possible. Try aluminum oxide sandpaper if you have a large surface to work over. I did a third coat on my piece because I am popping this on top of a little Ikea dresser and expect it to get a decent amount of traffic. Wipe the stain on with a rag, and brush it into the corners and grooves. Couple of suggestions. Brush in the direction of the grain. Thank you, Angie!! Watch for side drips. As you do more woodworking and carpentry projects, you will get a better feeling for how the wood should look and feel at each stage, and what you need to do to achieve the results you want. That means that it has no primer, paint, or finish of any kind on it. 6. Water-Based Stains. To avoid or lessen this effect you can use a wood conditioner. The right level of opacity depends on the type of surface and your personal preference. I started with maybe 1 part thinner to 4 parts polyurethane and adjusted the mix along the way. He also holds a bachelor's degree in English from Iowa University. Once you have sanded the surface to your satisfaction, you may notice a fine layer of dust on the wood. As you’re sanding the finish off, use a dry paint brush to brush the dust off every few minutes to monitor your progress. It’s such a nice way to upgrade a low-end piece of furniture. Specializing in building and renovating homes, Thomas Luttrell has worked in homebuilding since 2002. Posted on Last updated: October 5, 2020 Categories DIY, DIY Furniture. This removes any excess stain. Overlapping stain … Once you’ve taken off the old finish, move on to sanding the cabinets with 80- to 120-grit sandpaper. To counteract this, you can sand a bit. The higher or finer the grit, the more easily you can smooth out and eliminate all those little imperfections. Apply 2 Coats Of The Stain. (This post contains affiliate links. But you do need to remove all of the lacquer, varnish or anything that will prevent new stain from absorbing into the wood. Do I need to further finish the wood with a finish/top coat or similar product to protect my bedding? I didn’t think I needed it because the wood wasn’t soft but the stain soaked in so unevenly and looked pretty awful. Stain can also protect against the deteriorating effects of sunlight and strength the wood a bit more against impact and damage. Apply the stain to the wood liberally with a sponge or soft cloth. There are also water-based stains available. So, understand what type of finish or stain you are using and let it dry accordingly. The higher the number, the finer the grade. If you want to hear from me, drop your email below! Applying stain is so forgiving–you don’t have to worry about brush strokes because unfinished wood is going to soak in your stain however it wants to soak it in. Open and stir your polyurethane then brush a coat on. Apply the stain to the panels first, you will need to use a brush to get the stain into the grooves and corners. In fact, many experts claim that sanding at the right stages is actually the most important element in achieving a truly professional-looking piece with the color and texture you want. ), (Remember to wear a mask and eye protection while sanding and working with wood, and wear an appropriate mask while working with paints, stains, and finishes. However, keep in mind that if you sand too much, you are going to lose the color and protective nature of the layer of stain that you just put on. Fills in wood grain after staining for a smooth finish. Just make sure the existing finish is totally sanded down to the bare wood! It will bubble as you brush it on. I put this on my Ikea Rast dresser to upgrade it. You can read more about that here. You don’t need to remove or sand out all the color from a stain… The polyurethane with smooth it out further as you apply additional coats. So the stain doesn’t lodge and collects as heavily across the wood surface. By this, we can see that sanding after staining affects the finished product not only in terms of smoothness but in terms of color as well. Remember, you put the stain on unfinished wood, so you need to seal the stain to protect it. If you want a darker coarser look, use a lower 120-grit sandpaper. That is certainly an option; however, it is important to note that paint does not provide the same kind of protection that stain does. You should definitely use pre-stain or wood conditioning products for these types of lumber. There are three major types of wood stains: resin, alkyd, and oil. First, let’s talk about how sanding can affect wood when you do it between coats of stain or right before a coat of stain. No, do not sand the straight stain. This way, you will create more surface texture for the stain … Add a second coat if you’d like the color to soak in a bit more. Another pro tip is to test your stain product on samples of the wood you are using, to see how it reacts. Some hardwoods will "close up" and hardly except your stain if you sand all the way to 220 grit. Otherwise, you end up with darker overlapping edges where you ended and then picked up again. We will also discuss the important question, “Do you sand after staining?”. - I want to make sure that the stain will not rub off on the bedding. Rebrush the length of the stain with a dry white china bristle brush to soften and even out the staining as needed. Although a wood stain is … If it isn’t unfinished, the stain won’t be able to soak into the wood. When using exterior stains … Do NOT do … Wipe it with a clean rag until the surface is relatively smooth. Great stain color! Oil-based varnishes generally add a slight amber tone to your final finish, while water-based varnishes are clear. Pine is another species of tree whose natural and open grain may be more susceptible to a rough, unattractive look when you try to stain it. After the stain has dried, it’s time for the first finishing coat. Topcoat/Finish. For a darker look, you can do multiple layers of stain … Work in manageable areas. Staining over a varnish is possible, but set your expectations right. So if you want to learn how to stain and finish wood, sit down and start taking some notes! (Tip: If you’re working with a smaller piece, you don’t need to use a brush. In  the second photo, I had completely finished sanding down the top, but I only gave a light sand to the body since I wasn’t staining that part–just painting it. I was intimidated when I first started learning how to stain wood, but I actually think staining is an easier process than painting. Open and stir your stain. (Note: I do not use pre-stain wood conditioner, but if you’d like to, here is one that has good reviews.). Generally, you need to sand enough to scuff up the existing finish and make the surface even. If using a paintbrush, apply the … Read about the differences between polyurethane and polycrylic. //