How to Stain Old Furniture

Old furniture, especially wooden furniture, will begin to lose its color and luster over time. In order to bring life back to any particular piece of furniture, you can apply a simple stain. Little time is required, but patience is necessary. Gather your materials and begin the project.

150-grit sandpaper
Soft cloths
Latex gloves
Face mask
Liquid sander
Tinted varnish
Gel stain
Bucket
Wooden dowel
Paint tray
Foam paint roller
Paint brush
Clear varnish

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the furniture to be stained. Roughen up the entire piece with the 150-grit sandpaper. Do not use a hand-held sander since that will take off too much of the furniture's top layer. All you need is the top layer to be slightly rough to the touch. Wipe off the dust with a soft cloth.
- 2
  Apply a thin coat of liquid sander to the furniture piece using a soft cloth. This will also help clean off any residue on the piece.
- 3
  Put on your latex gloves and face mask and prepare the stain mixture. Pour equal parts of tinted varnish and gel stain in the bucket, and stir with the wooden dowel.
- 4
  Pour the mix into the paint tray, push the paint roller through it until it is covered. Wipe off excess stain on the rough side of the paint pan.
- 5
  Lightly roll the stain onto the furniture. Stain smaller, harder to reach areas by using the paintbrush. Allow 24 hours for the stain to dry.
- 6
  Apply the finishing top coat of clear varnish with a clean paintbrush.

DIY Reglazing a Bath

How to Decorate Old Furniture

Faux Finishing