By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Sand sealer
- Sandpaper
- Stain
- Fine bristle paintbrush
- Soft cloth
- Paint thinner
Step1
Decide on the color for your furniture and whether to use oil-based or water-based stain. Oil-based stain often provides a richer color but with more clean-up required. Water-based stain makes for an easier cleanup.
Step2
Prepare the item for staining. If possible, rest it on two sawhorses for easiest access. Strip off the old stain and sand the wood. After wiping off sawdust, consider applying a sanding sealer, particularly when using water-based stain.
Step3
Turned an unopened can of stain upside down and shake it well. After turning it back over, open the can with a screwdriver. Stir the stain again for an even color.
Step4
Apply stain with a fine-bristle paintbrush; work the stain in by following the grain of the wood.
Step5
Work quickly, overlapping with the paintbrush. If stain dries before you're finished, you can end up with an uneven color or blotchy areas.
Step6
Use a soft cloth to wipe the stained object after application. Wait longer if you want a darker color. Fix any unevenly stained areas.
Step7
Allow furniture to dry for the length of time in the instructions, probably 1 to 2 hours. Clean your paintbrush with paint thinner.