
How can I darken my coffee table?
- Step 1: Lightly Hand Sand. Using a light grit sanding block, lightly hand sand the entire surface of the wood piece that you would like to darken.
- Step 2: Clean Wood. Clean your entire piece thoroughly using a mild cleanser.
- Step 3: Apply Dark Gel Stain. Apply the gel stain using a chip brush.
- Step 4: Seal.
How to easily darken stain without stripping the table?
Well, let me show you how to easily darken stain without stripping the table or any other piece of stain wood, this includes hardwood flooring as well. Step 1: Lightly Hand Sand Using a light grit sanding block, lightly hand sand the entire surface of the wood piece that you would like to darken.
How do you make gel stain darker after applying?
If the wood is not dark enough, after drying, let the first coat dry completely and apply another coat of the gel stain, in the same manner, to make the stain darker. This is the before and after, after applying one coat of gel stain. Apply a light coat of the spray-on polyurethane sealer and let dry completely.
How do you use conditioner before staining?
Apply the conditioner with a paint brush and give it one or two hours to dry before staining. Apply the stain with a paintbrush or -- if you use gel stain -- with a rag. Some of the stain remains on the surface, so wipe that off with the separate rag before it dries.
How do you remove stain from a wood table top?
You need to sand out the stain, and to do that, you must first strip the finish. Stripping is a messy job that is best done outdoors. Apply stripper gently with a paintbrush; wait for the finish to bubble and scrape it off with a putty knife or paint scraper.
How long does it take for poly to dry on a stained table?
Does wood conditioner make a uniform look?

How do you stain a table darker?
How to Stain Wood Darker with Gel StainClean any grease, gunk or oils from the surface.Scuff sand to help the Gel Stain stick.Working in a small area, wipe the gel stain on, and then wipe it back off.Let dry for 24 hours.Repeat steps 3-5 until you reach the desired darkness.More items...
What kind of stain do you use on a coffee table?
Oil-Based StainsThey usually have a linseed oil binder that allows plenty of time to remove the excess before the stain dries. ... Oil-based stains are the best wood stain for furniture or any large wood surface because of the slower drying time, which gives the piece a more even finish.More items...
How can I stain my table darker without sanding?
Using Gel Stain, you can stain wood furniture darker without stripping the old stain AND without sanding the old finish off....Steps To Gel Stain Wood Furniture DarkerUse a little dawn and warm water or TSP to clean your furniture. ... Apply Gel Stain with a foam brush.More items...
How do you change the color of a wooden coffee table?
Method 1: Change Wood Color with a New StainRemove the existing finish completely by sanding or stripping.Determine the wood species. ... Determine the undertone of the wood stains you are considering.Choose a wood stain that will either complement or counteract the existing undertone to get the look you want.More items...•
What is the best finish to put on a coffee table?
Go with a polyurethane varnish. It's super tough, fairly heat resistant, easy to apply and usually turns out looking great. Both oil-based and water-based formulas are good choices, but most oil-based polys will cause the wood to take on a slightly amber tone (which I like), and it dries slowly.
How can I stain my table without sanding it?
The key to re-staining a wood dining table top without having to strip off the original factory finish is to create a soft, faux wood grain appearance with gel stain. Followed by several coats of a durable clear sealer. It's actually not that hard to do. The main thing you will need, beside supplies is TIME.
How do you get a really dark stain on wood?
7 Ways to Get a Darker ColorSand to a coarser grit. To get a darker coloring with any stain when you are wiping off the excess, sand to a coarser grit. ... Dirty wipe. A “dirty wipe” (right) produces a darker coloring by leaving more of the stain on the wood. ... Wet the wood before staining. ... Use dye. ... Toning.
How can I darken furniture without refinishing?
How to Stain Wood DarkerStep 1: Lightly Hand Sand. Start by lightly hand sanding the furniture. ... Step 2: Clean Wood. Clean your entire piece thoroughly using a mild cleanser. ... Step 3: Apply Dark Gel Stain. Apply the gel stain over the existing stained wood using a chip or sponge brush. ... Step 4: Seal. What is this?
Can you put a darker stain over a lighter stain?
Staining over stain is easy and works beautifully if you're applying a dark stain over a lighter stain on raw wood. This rule applies to oil-based stains, water-based stains, and gel stains.
How do you make coffee darker with wood?
4 Easy Steps to Stain Wood with CoffeeStep 1: Brew the coffee and let it cool. Brew an entire pot of coffee according to how dark you want your stained wood to be. ... Step 2: Sand the wood. ... Step 3: Apply the coffee to the wood and start staining! ... Step 4: Allow the wood to set.
Can you change the stain color on wood?
Can you change stain color on wood? Yes! In addition to trying to darken or lighten a stain, you can also just change the tone of an existing stain. Much like the process of deciding on a lighter or darker stain, you can look at your existing stain and experiment to find the new tone that is right for you.
How can I change the color of my furniture without sanding it?
5 Methods for Painting Furniture Without Sanding:MINERAL PAINT (My Favorite Option) With Mineral paint you don't need to prime anything beforehand. ... CHALK PAINT. Chalk paint is the best way to paint practically anything without sanding. ... MILK PAINT + BONDING AGENT. ... BONDING PRIMER. ... LIQUID DEGLOSSER.
Can you stain a coffee table?
Stain the coffee table if you want a darker or different-colored wood finish. Apply a coat of the wood stain of your choice with a 4 in (10 cm) paintbrush using long, smooth strokes and going with the grain.
What do you seal a stained coffee table with?
If you must seal stain or filler before polyurethane is applied, make sure the sealer is compatible with the varnish. Otherwise, use a penetrating resin sealer. This finishes the wood completely, but you can apply polyurethane over it if you want a smoother finish.
How do I choose a stain for a wood table?
If you want a darker color or a more pronounced grain pattern, go ahead and stain it. Once you know what type of wood you are working with, it will be easier to choose a stain that will enliven and restore the wood. There are many types to choose from.
How do I choose a table stain?
Use a natural finish or darker stains for a contemporary look. Reddish or red-brown stains are perfect for more traditional homes. Stain the top of your table white and the legs brown to create a “country chic” look. Mix and match stain colors for a more eclectic vibe.
How do I apply gel stain to wood?
Apply the gel stain using a chip brush. Work in small areas as you do not want the stain to start to dry. Once it starts to dry, it is harder to remove. Use a cloth to wipe away the stain. If the wood is not dark enough, let the first coat dry completely and apply another coat of stain in the same manner, allowing to dry completely after wiping away the extra stain. I used Java Gel stain from General Finishes on this table. You can use any brand of gel stain.
How to darken a wood table?
Step 1: Lightly Hand Sand . Using a light grit sanding block, lightly hand sand the entire surface of the wood piece that you would like to darken. You are only doing this to remove the shiny surface and to remove any other dirt or grease build up.
How to clean a sanded wood piece?
Clean your entire piece thoroughly using a mild cleanser. I like to use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Do not use an oil-based cleaner like an oil soap. You want to keep the freshly sanded pores open and an oil cleaner will clog the open pores.
Can you use gel stain on poly?
The gel stain has a tendency to lightly rub off with the first coat of sealer. You can use any brand that you like to seal, just make sure you are using an oil based sealer. After the first coat of poly has drie d, use fine grit sandpaper and lightly sand down before applying the second coat of sealer.
Can you use an electric sander to remove stains?
Do not use an electric sander as this would apply too much pressure and could remove some of the original stains. I like to use a sanding block because it is easier on my hands and easier to grip.
How to darken wood furniture?
Start by cleaning the finished wood with a solution consisting of 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate and warm water to remove grease and dull the finish. When the wood dries, scuff the finish with 180-grit sandpaper -- going with the wood grain to avoid cross-grain scratches -- then brush the wood stain of your choice directly onto the wood and wipe off the excess with a rag, again following the grain of the wood. When the stain dries, apply one or two coats of clear finish, and you're done.
How to stain birch wood?
Some woods, such as birch and knotty pine, take stain unevenly and need a coat of wood conditioner to ensure color uniformity. Apply the conditioner with a paint brush and give it one or two hours to dry before staining. Apply the stain with a paintbrush or -- if you use gel stain -- with a rag.
How to get rid of scratches on wood?
When the wood dries, scuff the finish with 180-grit sandpaper -- going with the wood grain to avoid cross-grain scratches -- then brush the wood stain of your choice directly onto the wood and wipe off the excess with a rag, again following the grain of the wood. When the stain dries, apply one or two coats of clear finish, and you're done.
How to get gel stain off of a wood floor?
Apply the stain with a paintbrush or -- if you use gel stain -- with a rag. Some of the stain remains on the surface, so wipe that off with the separate rag before it dries. Give the stain eight hours or more to dry before finishing with at least two coats of clear finish.
How to clean a molding after scraping?
After scraping off as much finish as possible with a scraper, soak a wad of very fine steel wool in mineral spirits and use that to wash off the residue and clean crevices inside moldings and carvings.
Do you have to strip a finish before staining?
You don't always have to strip the finish before staining darker. Restaining your dresser, coffee table or other piece of wood furniture is a good way to give it a second life and bring it into harmony with your changing decor. If you want to restain to a lighter color, you will have to strip the old finish and sand the wood.
Who is Chris Deziel?
Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years . He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010.
How to dye wicker?
Prepare a dye solution by mixing the dye powder with the appropriate solvent. You can color wicker with water-soluble dyes, but the best wood-tone colors -- which you can find at paint stores -- are usually soluble in alcohol. Follow the instructions on the dye container when mixing.
How to get rid of solid particles in dye?
Strain the dye mixture with a nylon filter to remove solid particles that didn't dissolve and transfer the dye to a spray bottle, such as you would use to mist plants. Test the sprayer on a piece of cardboard and adjust the nozzle to produce a fine mist.
How long does it take for dye to soak in?
Set the piece upright and spray the top when the solvent has evaporated, which takes from five to 15 minutes, depending on the solvent.
What to wear when spraying solvent based dye?
Wear a respirator and keep the room ventilated when spraying solvent-based dye or finish.
How to make toning effects?
You can create interesting toning effects by adding paint pigment to a clear finish, such as lacquer or shellac, and spraying the finish with a compressed air gun. You may need to reduce the finish as much as 50 percent with the appropriate thinner in order to get a fine enough spray. Warning.
How long does it take for a sandpaper to dry?
Let the piece dry for about an hour. If you want to give it a glossy finish, spray it with one or two coats of clear lacquer or polyurethane finish, using an aerosol can.
How to get mold out of a sofa?
Step 1. Clean each piece before you stain it. To remove dirt and grime, wash with a solution of one ounce of weak detergent, such as dish soap, per gallon of warm water. If the furniture is mold y, add 1/2 cup of bleach to the solution. Use a toothbrush to get in crevices between the weave.
How many coats of Minwax satin water based polyurethane?
Minwax classic black. With 3 coats of minwax satin water based polyurethane. Just did this to my dining room table and it looks fantastic!
Why are the tables pulled out of the wall?
In the last picture, the tables are pulled out away from the wall so it looks like a smaller space.
Is lacquer staining easy?
I was just going to say same thing. Yes, lacquering is not simple and a dust free environment is needed. So stick to your plan to gel stain it.
Can you stain black with gel paint?
staining that black is going to take some work. using a standard black gel paint might not give you the rich black depth. I've stained oak black and used an aniline dye first, then a black gel. You can still see the wood grain.
Can you use white wash on a sectional?
Definitely do a black. The white wash won’t do it design wise. Your walls, drapery, carpet and furnishings are all light. The room needs the balance of black for the coffee table. You can add Pillows to blend all tones together once you get your sectional. Don’t know why you picked a sectional for this room? Do you have measurements of sectional?
Can you stain black to Patricia?
I would do black to Patricia! But OP wants to see the wood grain. I think if staining it black as opposed to laquering it black you will still see some of the grain interest in the wood. I prefer a traditional look with these tables.
Can I paint a media center black?
I'd do black. either paint it or stain it. that media center is taking control. I'd match it. doing a darker stained wood w/everything else in there would look a little out of place.
How long does it take for poly to dry on a stained table?
I literally just poured it right out onto the table and wiped an even coat on with a soft cloth. After it dried (about 3-4 hours) I used steel wool to lightly buff out the wood. I repeated this process 2 more times, for a total of 3 coats of wipe-on poly.
Does wood conditioner make a uniform look?
Jackie, I did look into it. Wood conditioner can definitely help give an even uniform look (less blotchy), so I maybe should have gone with that! But, I am kinda liking the distressed, rustic look of the piece...darker in some areas, lighter in others.