How to Stain a Bookcase

A newly stained bookcase might be just what you need.

A bookcase is a fitting addition to many rooms in a home, including a living room, family room, den or bedroom. Sometimes, however, the current finish of a wooden bookcase might not match the room's decor. In this case, you will want to strip off the old stain or paint and apply a new finish that better matches the room's colors and style. Staining also covers unsightly marks while giving the bookcase a smoother texture.

Things You'll Need

• 220-grit sandpaper
• Cotton cloths
• Water
• Vacuum cleaner
• Stain
• Paintbrush
• Rag
• Varnish

Instructions

1. Sand off the old stain or paint on the bookcase. Always sand in the direction of the wood. Use 220-grit sandpaper to ensure you remove all of the old stain, including the edges and corners of shelves.

2. Wipe down the bookcase with a wet cloth to remove any remaining wood dust. Tidy the general area with a vacuum cleaner.

3. Mix stain with a wooden paint stirrer. If you are mixing two stains together, dump them both in a new container before mixing. Test the stain out on the back of the piece to make sure you're happy with the color.

4. Brush with a consistent back-and-forth motion with a wide paintbrush until you have removed all the bubbles so the stain coats evenly. Apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain, adding only a light coat since you can add multiple coats later if necessary.

5. Move from the top to the bottom of the bookcase as you stain, covering one row of shelving at a time. Even out the surface with a cotton cloth once the stain is on while continuing to use a paintbrush for back corners where a rag can't reach.

6. Let the stain sit for about two minutes and wipe it off a final time with a cotton cloth to remove the excess stain and leave a smooth finish on the bookcase.

7. Apply a finishing varnish for extra protection, lightly sanding the bookcase before applying the finishing varnish with a brush.

Tips & Warnings

• Sand the bookcase with a power sander to make it easier; the bookcase's flat surface will make this possible.

• Prevent the bookcase from falling by attaching it to the wall, especially if it is tall and thin.

References

• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Sand and Stain Furniture
• "The Family Handyman"; Traditional Bookcase; April 1999