You may want to start with a simple classic finish as shown, or go for a more complex contemparary finish such as a crackle or distressed two-tone finish. You can choose the look you want.

Finishing is and should be fun. See your local dealer for assistance with finishing choices. Whether it's matching an antique table that has been in your family for 100 years or something brand new, our dealer's professionnal staff can get you started on your project.

Finish Shown: Honey Oak

Staining Supplies Needed:

1 - Well Vented Area

2 - 1-2 Brushes; Optional Rags

3 - Grit Finishing Sand Paper; 2-3 sheets

4 - Selected Stain

5 - Sealer and Top Coat

Step 1:

- Choose a location that is well ventilated and allows for easy movement.

- Protect floor area with plastic or newspaper

- Assemble supplies

Step 2:

Prepare Surface of wood by sanding lightly with the direction of the grain.

Step 3:

- Apply stain of your choice with brush or rag lightly wiping surface to remove excess stain. Let dry.

Step 4:

- Apply sealer with brush. Let dry. Lightly go over surface again with sand paper.

Step 5:

Apply top coat. For added protection, sand lightly again and apply 2nd layer of top coat. Let dry.

1. Selecting the color

2. Preparing the wood

3. Staining & Topcoat

1. Selecting the color:

Take a moment and visualize the piece you selected for your home.

Do you have a color in mind or are you matching existing furniture?

Is the piece to be used as functional or decorative or both.

Have you ever finished a piece of furniture before?

These are questions that will determine the finishes you choose. Today’s furniture trends range from traditional such as natural and wood tones to contemporary two-tones and faux finishes using reds, blues and greens.

Once you have made your color selection you now have a choice between oil base and water base products. We recommend using a water base semi-gel stain on select woods such as pine and aspen. Oil base stains work well but may stain unevenly due to the porous nature of certain woods. Ask your retailer for an instructional brochure from the stain manufacturer to ensure proper results.

Supplies needed:

#220 & #320 Grit Sandpaper Drop Cloth

Paper Towel Rubber Gloves

Foam Brushes/Paint Pad Patience

2. Preparing the wood:

1. Select a work area for your project. It may take several days depending on the size of the project, so plan ahead.

2. Begin by reading all the instructions for the stains and finishes.

3. The furniture is sanded at the factory yet it may be necessary to freshen up the piece with a light sanding with #220 sandpaper. Fill any nail holes at this time. Use suitable wood putty to match the color.

4. After the piece has been sanded remove the dust by vacuuming or wiping with a clean cloth. If using a water base finish DO NOT use a tack cloth. They contain oil that will cause problems in the finish.

3. Staining & topcoat:

Staining

1. Test the color on a hidden spot. Make sure you are happy with the color before staining the entire piece.

2. Always stir stain well before using.

3. For best results use plenty of stain.

4. Work in manageable sections (drawer front, top, and sides).

5. After stain has dried thoroughly, check for areas you may have missed. Make sure to stain all areas to prevent warping. Use a small bristle brush to pull stain out of corners.

6. If the grain has been raised after staining, do not worry. Lightly sand using #320 paper.

7. If two-toning a piece, mask off areas with painter’s tape.

Topcoat

1. Stir contents before applying.

2. Apply finish coats with a clean brush or paint pad.

3. Use enough finish so you can see a wet gloss over the entire surface. The first coat will penetrate the surface so don’t be alarmed after it has dried.

4. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly. Water base finishes dry in 1-2 hours. Oil base finishes can take up to 24 hours to dry.

5. Lightly sand the finish using #320 paper.

6. Wipe the dust off with clean cloth and apply several more coats. We recommend 3-4 coats on most projects.