Close grained hardwoods like birch, maple, cherry and other are tricky to stain successfully. Learn how to get great results by following our step-by-step video “recipe.” A clear finish is applied after the staining step.
Step by Step Instructions
- Sand the project up through the grits until at least 320-grit
- It is a good idea to sand pieces that will be hard to reach before assembly.
- Wipe the project with mineral spirits to check for glue splotches
- Apply a good quality Gel Stain, let dry 24 hours
- Use a wipe-on polyurethane type finish
- Flood it on and wipe it off
- Let rags dry flat and dispose of properly!
- If you have any nail holes, cracks or defects in the wood, fill them now with a wood filler putty that matches the color of the stained wood (sand smooth)
- Apply at least two more coats of the urethane
- Optional: After the finish has cured for 72 hours, apply a coat of high-quality paste wax and then polish it off.
- Optional: Substitute a wipe-on Danish Oil applied in the same manner
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