• Natural bristle brush
  • You can also use a foam brush or lint-free rag
• Lint-free rags
• Sandpaper
  • 80-grit
  • 120-grit
  • 220-grit
  • 320-grit
• Tack cloth

• Protective gear
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Respirator
• Canvas drop cloth
• Chemical stripper

The secret to a stunning stained finish lies in meticulous surface preparation. This step is at least half of the entire staining process, so you don't want to rush through it. Any shortcuts taken during preparation will be glaringly obvious in your final finish. Learn how to get a smooth surface for a beautiful, finished result.

Before applying a new stain, you must remove any existing finish entirely to allow the new stain to penetrate the wood evenly. While sanding alone might seem like an option, chemical stripping is often the most effective first step, especially on detailed or intricate pieces. Remove any hardware before applying a chemical stripper according to manufacturer instructions. Scrape off the loosened finish with a plastic scraper, working in small, manageable sections to ensure thorough removal. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear.

Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down stripped furniture with mineral spirits. This will remove any stripper residue and reveal any spots you might have missed. Let the furniture dry completely (about 1 hour).

Start with 80-grit sandpaper for rough surfaces and stubborn finish spots, moving in the direction of the wood grain to prevent cross-grain scratches that could show through your final finish. Once you've achieved an even surface, switch to 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out deeper scratches left by the coarser grit. Finally, move to 220 grit for your finishing passes – this creates that baby-smooth surface that will accept stain evenly. Remember to dust off your surface between each grit change to ensure you're not dragging larger particles into your finer sanding stages.

First, vacuum thoroughly, then wipe with a tack cloth. Any dust left behind will create tiny imperfections in your finish.

Once you've created a smooth surface, it's time to apply your stain — but don't dive right into the visible areas. If you haven't already, test your stain on an inconspicuous spot on your furniture, like the underside of a table or the back of a leg. Allow the test area to dry for at least 24 hours to determine the color. A test area will confirm you'll love the final color and help you understand how the wood furniture will accept the stain and how long it needs to penetrate for optimal results.

Using a foam brush, natural bristle brush or lint-free rag, apply the stain in long, smooth strokes following the wood grain. Work in manageable 2-3 foot sections to control the stain's absorption and ensure even coverage.

If you liked the way your test patch turned out, wipe away excess stain with a clean rag based on how long you left the stain on your test spot. Otherwise, wipe away excess stain after 5-15 minutes or based on your stain's instructions. Wipe in the direction of the grain.

Remember: The longer you leave the stain to penetrate, the darker it gets.

Allow stained furniture to dry in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours. If you want a deeper color after one coat, apply another coat, allowing it to dry for 24-48 hours between coats.

Now that you've perfectly stained your furniture, it's time to protect it for years to come. Typically, there are three topcoat options to consider:

• Polyurethane is the most popular choice for high-traffic pieces like tables and floors. It offers exceptional durability and a range of finishes, from matte to high gloss.
• Lacquer delivers a showstopping, mirror-like professional sheen; however, it demands careful application and proper ventilation.
• Varnish provides time-tested protection against moisture and UV rays, making it suitable for pieces exposed to sunlight or occasional water exposure.

While aesthetics are important, you should also consider your furniture's intended use when selecting your topcoat. The most beautiful finish won't matter if it can't withstand daily wear and tear.

Use a high-quality brush or foam applicator to apply thin layers of topcoat, working in the direction of the grain.

Once completely dry, lightly sand with 320-grit paper. Wipe with a tack cloth before applying another coat.

Give each coat at least 24 hours to dry before adding additional coats. Allow the final coat 72 hours to cure before resuming regular use.

Staining takes time to master, and even when you have it down, you may still occasionally encounter challenges during the staining process. While prevention is always best, identifying and fixing common issues can save your project from disaster. Here are a few of the most common staining problems you might encounter and their solutions:

• A blotchy finish happens when wood absorbs stain unevenly, often in softer woods like pine or maple. You can fix this by sanding back to bare wood before applying the wood conditioner and restarting the staining process.
• Inconsistent color often results from inadequate surface preparation or rushed application. Sand the piece thoroughly and restart, making sure to remove all traces of the previous finish. Pay extra attention to maintaining consistent pressure and timing during your next application.
• A sticky finish typically indicates that either the stain hasn't thoroughly dried or the environment is too humid. Allow more drying time, provide better ventilation or use a dehumidifier to minimize humidity. In severe cases, you may need to wipe down the surface with mineral spirits and start fresh.

Every piece of wood tells a story; you can bring it to life with proper staining techniques. Whether this is your first or hundredth staining project, Sherwin-Williams has the tools you need to get the professional results you dream of. Find your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams to get stain samples before choosing a color, or order online and pick up in-store.