How to Use Waterborne Stains and Paints to Finish Furniture

Introduction

Finishing your own furniture is not only a fun way to express yourself; it's also a great way to save some money! Salvage that amazing flea market or rummage sale find. Or instead of replacing your current furniture, freshen it up with a fresh coat of paint or stain to match your new decor. With these step-by-step instructions, you'll learn how to use waterborne stains and paints (the more environmentally friendly choice) to finish that brand new piece of unfinished furniture or to update that old tired furniture. Paint on!

By: Heatheray

Length: 5:00

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Tips & Warnings:

Divide the Handi-Painter foam pads in half; use one for the stain or paint and one for the topcoat. Rinse the foam pads well to remove any loose fibers.
The furniture piece and the stain or paint should be at room temperature while painting.
To finish knobs - sand them, then attach to the bottom of a cardboard box.
When closing paint cans, use a paper towel to absorb the splatters by placing it on the top before tapping the lid closed.
Clean finished surfaces with a damp cloth; then wipe dry.
Do not use steel wool. The steel particles left behind can rust.
Cloths that contain linseed oil will damage the finish.
Do not use cleaners with ammonia, silicon, or vegetable oils on waterbased finishes.

Step1

Prepare workspace with a dropcloth, old newspapers, or cardboard. Remove all nails and knobs, then fill holes with with a waterbased filler.

Step2

Using a spray bottle, wet the wood with water to raise the grain. Then allow to dry for 30 minutes.

Step3

Use the 280 grit sandpaper to remove any shipping marks or skin oils from the furniture piece. Dust with an oil-free cloth. If this is an old piece with an old finish, additional sanding is required.

Step4

Writing in stain to insure enough has been applied To Apply Stain - Stir the contents of the stain, then apply to one section at a time uniformly with foam brush or paint pad. If you can write in the stain, then you know you've applied enough. Wipe off all excess stain in the direction of the wood grain. Allow to dry for 2 hours.

Step5

To apply paint - Stir the contents of the can. Apply one coat evenly one section at a time. (If you want the wood grain to show through, wipe it in the direction of the wood grain). Allow to dry for 2 hours, and then apply a second coat. Allow to dry for 2 - 4 hours.

Step6

Stir the topcoat and then apply evenly in the same direction as the wood grain. Allow to dry for 2 hours.

Step7

Before and After Applying Waterbased Paint Lightly buff with 320 sandpaper (Finer grit would also work). Dust with a clean cloth. Apply a second layer of topcoat; allow to dry for 2 hours; lightly buff; dust. Apply a third layer of topcoat; allow to dry for 3 hours; lightly buff; dust. Rinse out foam pads or brushes with water. Do not use the furniture for 7 days to allow the finish to cure.