How to Stain & Varnish Red Oak

Showcase the beauty of wood with staining.

Staining red oak requires a bit of concentration and preparation in order to avoid a flawed finish. A small speck of dust, once stained, can look large. Adding a varnish to your stained red-oak wood helps protect the wood and the finish from water marks, sun damage and more.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Vacuum
• Tack cloth
• Stain
• Wooden stir stick
• Varnish
• Soft cloth
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. 

   Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth wood before staining.

   Prepare the wood using fine, 220-grit sandpaper. Smooth the wood evenly with the sandpaper, being careful not to miss any spots. Sand with the grain in order to open the wood up and receive the stain better.

2. Vacuum loose dust from the sanded wood. Use a tack cloth to wipe off any remaining dust. Check the wood carefully to make sure all dust particles are removed, as they will be magnified by the stain.

3. Open the stain and stir it thoroughly with a wooden stir stick before use and periodically throughout the staining process. Apply the stain to the red oak using a soft cloth or staining cloth. Begin by covering the surface completely. Once the entire surface is covered, wipe the excess stain from the wood, ending in a pattern consistent with the grain of the wood. Repeat the process if you desire a richer color after the first coat has dried.

4. Open the can of varnish and dip your brush just enough to fill it without having to wipe excess on the side of the can. Brush the varnish on to the stained, dry wood in a fashion similar to the staining process. Take note of detail in the wood and apply the varnish first in smooth spots in order to achieve an even thickness. Do not shake or stir the varnish so as to avoid bubbles, which can cause bumps in the finish. Varnish your red oak in an area where there is good ventilation but no direct drafts.

References

• Craftsman Style: Brushing on Varnish
• Lowes: Refinish a Hardwood Floor