DIY Furniture Finishing Guide – Five Easy Steps Buying “unfinished furniture” doesn’t mean you are purchasing a table with only three legs or a chair with no seat. No one is expecting you to turn a tree stump into a coffee table! The “unfinished” in unfinished furniture actually refers to final wood finishing, or in this case, the lack thereof. Typically, finished wood furniture will have a protective surface (like a shellac or gel stain) applied to protect the wood from scratches, nicks and other damage associated with daily use. Unfinished furniture does not have this top coat protecting it. Becauseit’s unfinished, manufacturers are able to sell the same great real wood furniture for a lot less than its finished counterparts. Buying unfinished furniture is also a great way to match new pieces with old since you do the staining yourself. You will need the following items to finish a piece of furniture: •
Cheesecloth or brush
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Finishing sander
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Tack cloth
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Stain
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Sealer
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Protective top coat
Step 1: Make sure the wood is ready to stain by first sanding it lightly in the direction of the grain with medium grit sandpaper, followed by a fine grit. You might want to lay down newspapers or a drop cloth to make cleanup easier later. Depending on how many flaws there are in the wood (scratches, dings, etc) you might have to sand for a while to get a smooth, finished product. Sanding is best done outside or in the garage so the wood dust doesn’t settle on your other furniture. Step 2: Choosea wood stain that you like and apply the stain with a brush or cloth. Keep in mind that different types of wood might react differently to the stain, so you might want to test your stain on the underside of your furniture first. The finished piece of furniture may not look exactly like you had intended, so be prepared for a shade of two difference with the final product. Step 3: Some stains will bleed through a finish giving an undesirable appearance so be sure to apply a coat of sealer. The extra step of sealing ensures a uniform and smooth finish.
Step 4: Use a tack cloth to remove any dust and particles from the surface of the piece being stained. If you don’t remove these particles before the sealer sets, you’re furniture will be stuck with them! This is especially important if you are working outside where leaves, dust or even bugs might stick to the stain. The last thing you want is a bug stuck to your new piece of furniture! Step 5: Finally, apply a top coat with a clear finish to protect the wood against water, household chemicals, food stains and everyday wear. Sanding, staining and finishing unfinished furniture might take a little while, but the next time someone admires your new coffee table or bookshelf you get to tell them that you “made” it! About the Author Gothic Cabinet Craft (1-877-446-8442) understands the unique challengesof living in an urban home. Our furniture is designed to maximize the available space, offering you the most storage area possible, regardless of your home’s size. Our real wood furniture can be custom made to fit your lifestyle.