how do you finish unfinished wood furniture

Finishing Unfinished Furniture

• Tools. Paper towels or lint free cloth. Bristle brush and/or pad applicators. Spray bottle. Pad applicators.
• Material Preparation (the most important part). Once you have organized your tools and supplies, you need to prepare the...
• Finish Application. If you are painting, this step is fairly straight forward and pretty simple. Pay close...

Full Answer

What is the best finish for wood?

The 10 Best Finishes for Wood Kitchen Table

• General Finishes SGQT Arm-R Seal Urethane Topcoat. ...
• Minwax Fast-Drying Poly Clear Finish. ...
• Rust-Oleum Oil Polyurethane Satin Finish. ...
• General Finishes Enduro-Var. ...
• Waterlox Satin Finish. ...
• Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane. ...
• Old Masters Gel Poly. ...
• Wood Shield Varnish. ...
• Valspar Cabot Oil Based Polyurethane. ...
• Behlen Rockhard Urethane Varnish Satin. ...

How do you refinish wood furniture?

Tips For Refinishing Furniture

• Not Cleaning the Surface. Before refinishing, you need to clean the surface thoroughly. ...
• Failing to Strip Completely. When you have determined that you do need to strip a piece, always remove all the old finish or paint thoroughly.
• Not Waiting Long Enough. ...
• Waiting Too Long. ...
• Failing to Make Necessary Repairs. ...
• Not Sanding Properly. ...
• Applying Too Thick a Coat. ...

How to stain wood for beginners?

• First, use sandpaper to rub the wood surface with increasing grit to smooth the wood surface.
• Next, wipe the wood surface with a rag before you begin. ...
• Put water and two teaspoons white vinegar in a spray bottle, shake well. ...
• Rub the rag over the wood in the direction of the grain. ...
• Let the wood surface dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

How to stain and refinish wood furniture?

• Use a coarse sandpaper, a sanding block or a power sander to strip the finish off the surface.
• Sand until the surface is smooth and most of the shiny surface is gone.
• Once the majority of the old finish is off, switch to a medium grit sandpaper and continue to remove any patches of finish still sticking to the wood.

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How do you finish new unfinished furniture?

0:233:24How to Stain Unfinished Wood at Low Cost Using Minwax - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe grain of the woods that the stain goes on more evenly. After it dries are going to want to sandMoreThe grain of the woods that the stain goes on more evenly. After it dries are going to want to sand it lightly to knock down any raised grain.

How do you finish an unfinished piece of wood?

How to Apply Wood StainStep 1: Proper Prep. It's easy to lightly sand a fresh board and think it looks okay, but boards from the home center sometimes have a waxy coating that almost has a visible sheen. ... Step 2: Apply conditioner. ... Step 3: Coat the Wood with Stain. ... Step 4: Wipe off the Excess. ... Step 5: Apply a Topcoat.

Does unfinished wood need to be finished?

Unfinished wood furniture means the piece of furniture has been put together by craftsman, but still needs a finish (such as stain or varnish) to be applied.

Do you have to seal raw wood furniture?

If you leave furniture raw without applying a new coat of wax or poly you are taking a risk of your furniture drying out, cracking, swelling or staining. To limit wood damage, preserve furniture AND keep it looking natural you'll want to seal raw wood with Liming or Cerusing wax.

How do you finish an unfinished dresser?

1:047:45How To Stain Unfinished Furniture! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipVideo. So you will see you know our tools all laid out here. Phone brushes is what you're going toMoreVideo. So you will see you know our tools all laid out here. Phone brushes is what you're going to need to apply your stain and apply your different coats of poly. And we're using czar brand here

How do you protect an unfinished wood table?

-If it is a piece that will get a fair amount of use – like a tabletop; apply a coat or two of soft beeswax based paste wax to protect it. This will condition the wood, keeping it looking very natural with a matte finish while enhancing and protecting the wood grain.

Is it OK to leave wood furniture unfinished?

It is acceptable to leave it unfinished if you aren't concerned with the effects of light exposure, potential water damage, or prefer the natural look of the wood you are using. Unfinished wood will stain easily, absorb moisture, and possibly crack or warp and quickly get ruined.

How do you seal bare wood?

If you are deciding to paint bare wood, you should seal all knots (spot prime) with a shellac based primer. Shellac based primers are great for sealing wood knots and sap streaks. They do carry a pungent odour, but dry very quickly and will not let the knot bleed through the top (finish) coat.

How do you seal wood furniture?

Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.

How do you seal wood without polyurethane?

Linseed oil is another commonly used natural alternative to polyurethane. People use linseed oil to treat their wood. It can help it to look better while also increasing the overall durability of the wood. This is a non-toxic product that you will be able to use without hesitation.

What is the best natural finish for wood?

Natural wood finishes have been used for centuries and are making a comeback as more homeowners and builders look to use natural, non-toxic products. Look for water-based, oil-based, wax-based, and shellac wood finishes as they contain low to no VOCs and come from renewable sources.

Can you put polyurethane on raw wood?

And our method allows you to achieve the holy grail of raw wood finishing: how to finish raw wood with satin (or glossy) polyurethane without changing the wood's color or shade. Yes, it's possible.

How do you seal wood without it shining?

3:375:21How To Seal Natural Wood Without Darkening Or Changing The ColorYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhitewashing is literally just watering down some white paint. And letting it lighten the wood. It'sMoreWhitewashing is literally just watering down some white paint. And letting it lighten the wood. It's going to be a little darker right now because it's still wet.

How do you seal wood without changing color?

Modern Masters Exterior Dead Flat Varnish. This is a water-based sealant that brushes on easily and never leaves streaks. Since it's water-based, it needs to be applied over raw wood or other water-based products. However, you can put an oil-based product over this dead flat varnish.

How do you treat raw wood?

Prepare the surface.Check for knots.Lightly sand entire piece with palm sander or hand sander.Take linen cloth and wipe piece.Wipe with "tac" cloth (a cheese cloth with a tacky texture). ... Apply coat of wood conditioner. ... Rub the piece with emory cloth, which is a fine sand paper, or steel wool. ... Wipe again with tac cloth.More items...•

What finish should I use on rough cut lumber?

Oil-based products are the best overall to use with rough lumber. Oil-based products penetrate to protect; when applied in sufficient quantities, they provide a perpetual wet look that makes rough lumber easier to clean and dust.

How to finish furniture?

It is what can differentiate a professional piece of furniture from a mediocre one. For most unfinished furniture, sanding with medium-fine sandpaper is fine. You should prepare the surface with coarse or medium paper first and then move on to finer grades. The process of sanding not only makes the surface smooth, but also frees the surface from dirt and oils. Sanding should always be done in the direction of grains. Many prefer to sand each individual piece before permanently assembling it. If you also like to do it this way, do exercise caution to avoid rounding crisp edges so that you don’t have to deal with gaps when parts of the furniture are finally assembled and glued.

Why is my stain uneven?

If the sanding is uneven, then the stain will be uneven too as stain tends to get absorbed more in the area which are less smooth. The color of the stain is also determined by the amount of sanding you do and also depends on the size of the sand paper you use.

How to clean sanded furniture?

Any sanding dust that is left on the surface typically looks large in size once a clear finish is applied. The best way to clean the dust is using a tack cloth.

What do you need to know about finishing unfinished furniture?

There are woodworking enthusiasts who do not have the time to construct their own furniture from scratch with some woodworking project plans; however they do want to add their own personal touch to the furniture they use in their homes. If you are one among them, then we do have ...

What is the best way to sand a surface?

You should prepare the surface with coarse or medium paper first and then move on to finer grades. The process of sanding not only makes the surface smooth, but also frees the surface from dirt and oils. Sanding should always be done in the direction of grains.

What to cover the floor with when finishing a project?

When you start you finishing work, cover the floor with rag cloths, newspaper or sheets of plastic. It also makes sense to cover the floor area surrounding the project area as it makes it easy to walk around. This will also help you in cleaning the work space quickly after a project is done.

Does sanding wood give it a uniform stain look?

The more fine the sanding is the less stain will be absorbed, giving it a lighter look . So, if you want a uniform stained look, make sure that you sand it the same way. The type of wood you use also matters. So, make sure that each part of the furniture is made of the same wood. Some wood absorb more stain than others.

How to clean sanding dust off of furniture?

Wipe the sanding dust from the furniture with a soft, clean cloth.

How to clean a sanded wood chair?

Clean the furniture thoroughly after you have sanded it. Vacuum the piece and the area around it. (If possible, sand the piece in a separate room). Wipe down the furniture with a clean, lint-free cloth. Remove dust and dirt from cracks with a clean, dry brush to make sure your furniture is free of all lint, dirt and dust. You can also blow dust and dirt from the piece with a hand-held hairdryer. Use the cool setting.

How to test if varnish is dry?

Test for dryness by lightly rubbing a piece of fine sandpaper on the varnished furniture. If this produces a bit of dust, your varnish is dry. Use fine sandpaper to lightly sand the piece when it is dry; be sure to sand with the grain. Wipe the sanding dust from the furniture with a soft, clean cloth.

How to get rid of lint in varnish?

Wipe down the entire piece with a tac cloth to make sure every particle of dust and dirt is gone. A tac cloth looks like cheesecloth and is a bit sticky to the touch; it can pick up tiny bits of lint that would otherwise get trapped underneath the varnish.

How to keep varnish from drying out?

Keep your piece of furniture out of direct sunlight so that the varnish doesn’t dry too fast.

What is varnish finish?

Varnish is a popular finish for raw and unfinished wooden furniture. The varnish will protect the wood from water, grease and dirt. Properly applied varnish will also give your bare wood furniture pieces a shiny, lustrous finish.

How to mix varnish with a can?

Hold the varnish can and rotate it gently a few times to mix the varnish.

How to clean scratches off wood?

1. On bare wood, lightly sand the surface with 150-grit sandpaper to remove nicks, scratches , and to open up the pores of the wood grain.

How to get bubbles out of wood?

Allow the stain to dry 6 to 8 hours. 6. Brush a coat of polyurethane varnish onto the surface, then finish up with long, light brush strokes to remove bubbles and lap marks. 7. On an old furniture piece, clean the surface with a soft cloth dampened with commercial wood cleaner. 8.

How to clean a wood floor with a sandpaper?

On bare wood, lightly sand the surface with 150-grit sandpaper to remove nicks, scratches, and to open up the pores of the wood grain. 2. Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth. 3. Brush on wood conditioner prior to staining. Allow the conditioner to dry for 15 minutes. 4.

How long does it take for a stain to dry?

Put on rubber gloves and open a can of oil-based penetrating stain. Stir the stain well, then use a clean cloth to rub the stain into the wood in a circular motion. 5. Wipe off the excess stain using a clean cloth. Allow the stain to dry 6 to 8 hours. 6.

How to leave a natural color on a piece of furniture?

. The first is to simply follow the steps for staining and just skip the stain part. Just sand and apply a clear coat poly.

What is poly sealant?

A poly is a sealant and will provide a hard, clear, protective layer over the wood. It can be reapplied over time as needed after a proper cleaning and light sanding.

How many coats of paint should I use on a stain?

I apply it with a high quality paint brush sanding between every coat (just like with paint) with 400 grit paper. I usually apply 3-4 coats over stain.

How to get smooth paint finish?

The keys to getting a smooth paint finish is to start with a smooth surface (sand), apply a primer (primer allows the paint to go on more evenly), and use a high quality paint and applicator. A good paint and a good brush will allow the paint to level out as it dries to give a smooth finish even without a sprayer.

Why do you sand between coats?

Sanding between coats allows you to smooth out brush strokes and gives a smoother finish. You may be tempted to skip sanding, but your finish will suffer.

What sheen is paint?

Paint comes in different sheens–flat, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Personally, I’m a fan of semi-gloss. BUT, any sheen works fine.

Why does paint dry faster?

Another consideration when painting–cold or humid conditions will cause paint to dry slower, while warm or dry conditions will cause it to dry faster. It’s best to avoid extremes one way or the other.

What is the best way to stain unfinished kitchen cabinets?

Liquid stains are applied similar to how you paint. Start by sanding and conditioning the wood, then apply the stain with a bristle or foam brush. After that's dry, put on two coats of polyurethane and your cabinets will look just as good as any professional could have done for you.

How do I paint a cabinet?

A latex satin finish works well on kitchen cabinets and it isn't as hard to work with as oil paint. Start working in sections with your angled brush and go over your work with the roller for a perfect finish. When you're done painting, you can also use very fine grit sandpaper for a final sanding and even a coat of a satin polycrylic for extra durability as well. Once your paint has dried, reinstall the doors and drawers and install your hardware.

How long does it take for gel stain to dry?

Apply 3-4 coats of gel stain. Each coat of stain needs about 24 hours to dry, so plan accordingly. Continue doing daily layers of stain in the same way until you can no longer see streaks in the finish.

How to apply clear polyurethane?

Apply a clear polyurethane top coat with a brush, taking care not to brush too quickly, which could create bubbles in the finish. Use an oil-based poly urethane with an oil-based stain or a water-based product with water-based stain.

What is the difference between matte and semi gloss?

Consider the texture of your finish: You could choose between matte, semi-gloss and glossy. A matte finish creates a more opaque appearance. A glossy finish adds a reflection to your wood cabinet doors and drawer fronts. How you want to stain unfinished drawer fronts depends on your style.

How to remove dust from sanding panel?

Each time you sand the panels, use a hand vacuum and a tack cloth to remove the dust left over from sanding.

What to do after sanding wood?

After sanding, apply a wood conditioner to seal the wood and allow it to better accept the stain.

How many coats of satin poly on wood?

And here is the result. The top quarter is satin poly on raw wood, the one underneath is satin poly over 3 coats of dead flat, then satin poly over 2 coats of dead flat, and finally the bottom quarter is satin poly over 1 coat of dead flat.

Why do people like raw wood?

Because there are those who prefer the raw look, and they have to accept that their unprotected pieces are at the mercy of Mother Nature, careless spills and grimy hands. If they want to protect that raw wood, they’re going to end up with something a little darker, maybe a little more orange (especially with pine) and often much shinier than actual raw wood.

What is Handan's favorite look?

She can’t get enough of the lighter tones and flat look of raw wood – especially if it’s distressed. Her favorite look is old wood furniture that’s been almost entirely stripped of a previous finish and stain.

How long is a mahogany board?

Here’s a mahogany board, about 2 feet long. I’ve marked it into quarters with pencil lines.

What is dead flat varnish?

Modern Masters Exterior Dead Flat Varnish. This is a water-based sealant that brushes on easily and never leaves streaks. Since it’s water-based, it needs to be applied over raw wood or other water-based products.

Is mahogany a special case?

Okay, so mahogany is a bit of a special case – for me, there are few woods that rival its beauty.

Can you put oil over dead flat varnish?

Since it’s water-based, it needs to be applied over raw wood or other water-based products. However, you can put an oil-based product over this dead flat varnish. More on that later. Here you can see how it looks when wet compared to the unvarnished side.

What Happens to Unfinished Wood?

You can see darker tones, intricate patterns laced between the different leaves of the table, and can appreciate the smoothness of its tabletop as you set your glass of champagne on its surface to briefly rest.

How Can You Tell if Wood is Unfinished?

This is great for those who prefer a natural look, but for someone wanting to spot a finished job at first glance, it can give you a run for your money. Fret not, though, as there are a few simple dead giveaways that will let you know if the item is unfinished.

Does Unfinished Wood Need to Be Sanded?

If you are making something more sculpture-like with wood and want it to be relatively rugged, you do not need to sand the piece. Sanding is to ensure that the wood is smooth and can be used without anyone ending up with a splinter or to make the staining process more flawless.

How Do You Clean Unfinished Wood?

Because of this, the trick to cleaning unfinished wood is to avoid anything that will soak into its surface. For most people, this would also include all of those pleasant household cleaners that you have sitting under your sink – they will not work for unfinished wood.

What Finish Will Not Darken Wood?

It may seem impossible that any sort of finish would not cause your wood to look even a bit different, but there is one sort of product that will keep your natural wood looking natural. And, if you are already on the fence about finishing your unfinished piece of wood, then it can seem a bit frustrating to find products that will not change the look of your wood.

What to do after staining wood?

To achieve this, you need to apply a finishing coat to its surface.

Is staining uneven?

A great staining job is directly related to how well you sanded, so be sure that the first step has reached perfection. If the sanding is uneven, your stain will immediately reflect this, and your project may come out looking somewhat botched.

How to prep bare wood?

To properly prep bare wood, first sand with 120-grit sandpaper to open the grain of the wood. Wipe the dust away, and then sand again with 120 grit. Next I wipe the dust away and then sometimes wipe the wood with a damp cloth to raise the fibers. Jenn Largesse.

How long should I let conditioner soak in?

Instead, let the conditioner soak in for at least 5-10 minutes, ...

What brush should I use to stain wood?

Once it’s time to apply the stain, I’m not too picky about how I get it on the wood, whether it’s a brush, sponge, or cloth. Depending on the application, I reach a simple chip brush for flat surfaces, a sponge brush if my project has any grooves or tight corners, and a cloth if I’m working with thin pieces and want to avoid drips along the edges.

How to wipe off excess stain?

Instead, I fold a cloth with the edges tucked inside, and then pull the smooth fold over the wood in the direction of the grain—again in long, even passes.

How to make a clear finish?

The key to a clear smooth finish is to allow the finish to dry, and then lightly sand it with 180 grit sandpaper, wipe away the dust, and then apply one last coat. This is always the game changer on my finish and gives it the smoothest, most professional-looking feel.

How much grit should I use to sand pine?

Then, sand one more time with 120 or 150 grit. If you’re working with a softer wood, you can sand with a higher grit to help close the grain so it doesn’t soak in as much color, but I never really push over 180 grit, even on pine.

What to use to clean sanding?

It’s also really important to use a truly clean cloth to wipe away the dust between sanding, because a dirty cloth will just push the dust around. Also, use a cloth that is lint-free or else you risk leaving fibers which can get caught in the finish.