How to Apply Varnish to Freshly Stained Wood
If you're going to go to all the trouble of staining your own woodworking projects, you should make sure that you cap each one off with a few coats of a high quality varnish. Applying varnish properly will protect your wood for years. You can achieve that perfect finishing touch on your homemade furniture and decorations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wood
- High quality varnish
- Small, firm bristled paintbrush
- Paint can opener
- Drop cloth
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Soft cloth
Instructions
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1
Make sure that you are completely finished with the staining process before beginning, and ensure that the most recent coat of stain has dried completely. Lay out a drop cloth in an open, well ventilated area and place your woodworking project in the center.
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2
Shake the can of varnish well to mix it, then lay it flat on the drop cloth and open it with a paint can opener. Dip your paintbrush in the varnish and shake any excess back into the can before applying it to the wood. It's best to apply varnish in several very thin coats.
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3
Paint the varnish onto the entire wood surface in a thin, even coat. Be sure to shake the excess varnish off of your brush after each time you dip it into the varnish.
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4
Allow the first coat to dry completely. When it is perfectly dry, sand the entire piece very lightly with a piece of fine grit sandpaper. After sanding it, wipe the whole piece down with a soft cloth to brush away the grit kicked up during the sanding process.
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5
Mix the varnish again by shaking it or using a paint stirring stick. Apply another thin coat of varnish just as you did in step three. Again, allow the varnish to dry completely.
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6
Sand the piece again, using more pressure, as you sand it. As you did in step four, follow the sanding by wiping the grit away with a soft cloth.
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7
Repeat the entire process at least one more time. Freshly stained wood may merit more than four separate coats. As you apply each coat, remember to keep it as thin as possible. When you sand the piece in between each coat, sand with more pressure each time. This will help to ensure that you're building up a smooth, even coat of varnish.
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8
Let your final coat of varnish dry, but do not sand it again. After your last coat has dried, your woodworking project is ready to display or use.
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Tips & Warnings
Carefully compare your varnish choices in the store; a high quality varnish is a must. If you're unsure which one to buy, consult a sales associate.
Varnish produces strong fumes, so make sure you engage in this project in a very well ventilated area.
Varnish spills should be cleaned up immediately. If spilled varnish is allowed to harden, it can be cleaned from most surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and vigorous brushing.
