If the flaws in the wood aren’t sanded away, the finish that is applied will only highlight and expose any marks or scratches. Start with sandpaper that has a grit of about 120. In most cases, this will remove any of the flaws without causing worse problems. Always sand with the grain of the wood. Don’t sand against the grain.
Repeated rounds of sanding will remove the coarse-grit scratches from the previous passes.
If you see blemishes you may need to sand the wood again. However, too much sanding in an area that has a blemish may only make it worse. Be careful to try and get as smooth of a surface as possible. Some areas may just have quirks that can’t be completely removed.
If you don’t wipe down the wood before you apply your stain, you can cause uneven parts and blemishes.
Leaving excess stains on the wood won’t affect the color very much, but can leave blotches and an uneven surface. When preparing the stain, always stir the can, never shake it.
When you dip the rag or brush in the stain make sure not to let it drip anywhere you don’t want it to go. Blend the stain into the wood thoroughly and make sure you are applying it evenly. Go over your brush strokes several times to spread the stain out and create a smooth area.
Once you know how long it will take the stain to dry you can begin staining the rest of the piece. If the stain isn’t dark enough, you may want to apply several coats.
Don’t double up the application of your stain on any areas that have been completed because this will cause a color change.
Choose a clear finish that has a level of gloss you want for your wood. If you get a glossy finish, your wood will have more of a sheen or glow than a finish with less gloss. Water-heavy finishes will sometimes swell wood fibers unevenly. Apply these finishes lightly, using several coats. You can also carefully sand off any bristles that appear after the first finish coat. Apply at least two more coats for a thorough, even finish over the first coat, which might be more heavily sanded than usual for a finish coat.
Stir the stain in the can before applying it. Don’t shake the can. Shaking can create air bubbles which will get transferred to your wood. Water-based polyurethane is the best finish for bare wood, as it highlights the features of the wood itself, such as the grain and the natural color. Oil-based polyurethane will increase durability more in combination with a stain. Wiping varnish (oil-based polyurethane thinned 50% with paint thinner) is the best application for stained, decorative pieces. It is easy to apply flawlessly, but will not help a piece withstand wear and tear.
You will want to apply several coats of finish to your wood. But allow the first coat to completely dry so that you can lightly sand it down and smooth it out before adding more coats.
Remove the dust with a tack rag or a vacuum and then apply the second coat.
On flat surfaces, brush side to side, and front to back. Apply the finish as thinly as possible, and line the brush strokes up in rows so that the finish covers the wood evenly.
Again, remove any dust with a tack rag or vacuum.
You don’t have to sand down the final coat as sanding will remove the nice shine and finished look. Once it’s dry wipe it down with a soft rag to remove any particles.
