How to Add Stain to Darken Polyshade
Minwax Polyshade offers the convenience of an oil-based wood stain and a polyurethane clear coat in one application. Unfortunately, this one-step process may cause the final appearance of the stain to be lighter than expected. If you want to add a darker stain over the Polyshade to achieve your desired shade, you do not have to strip the previous coat of Polyshade. However, since the Polyshade contains a polyurethane component, you will need to sand the surface of the furniture to prepare it to accept the stain.
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Things You'll Need
- 150-grit sand paper
- Shop-vac with bristled attachment
- Stiff brush
- Rag
- Bristle brush
- Foam brush
- Polyurethane
Instructions
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1
Select a well-ventilated area to work.
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2
Sand the surface of the furniture with 150-grit sand paper. Sanding the surface will expose the wood, allowing it to accept the stain.
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3
Vacuum the furniture using a shop-vac and bristled attachment to remove all sanding dust. A stiff bristled brush will remove sanding dust from any areas too small for the vacuum attachment.
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4
Choose an oil-based stain. Because Polyshade is oil-based, it will repel any water-based stains.
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5
Test the stain in an area that will not be seen, such as inside of a drawer, door or the underside of the table, to verify the wood will accept the stain and that the color is dark enough for your taste. If the stain does not penetrate the wood or peels off, you will need to sand the wood again.
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Apply the stain with a rag, bristle brush or foam brush.
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Allow the stain to set for the manufacturer's recommended time.
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Wipe off the excess stain with a clean, lint-free rag.
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Allow the stain to cure for the manufacturer's recommended time before applying a new coat or applying a polyurethane coat.
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10
Apply an oil-based polyurethane coat to seal the furniture.
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Tips & Warnings
To achieve the darkest stain possible, allow the stain to set for the maximum recommended time.
Wear latex gloves to protect your hands from the stain.
Apply the stain and polyurethane coat to all areas of the furniture piece, not just the areas you can see to prevent damage from swelling and warping.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
