How to Use Waterborne Stains and Paints to Finish Furniture

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.