Before knowing how to stain wood furniture darker, maybe you need to know some tips about how to stain wood furniture here. To make wood furniture darker, you need to know some tricks to make sure the result will be satisfying.
Even those who do not take part in DIY wood projects could tell that staining is not a simple task. Before you start the process, you need to determine which stain to take. Then you need to prepare the wood and paint the surface. One mistake in either step might leave a clear stain. Are you ready for some tips?
Best Tips On How to Stain Wood Furniture
1. Choose the Paint
When you go to the paint store, the staff might ask which product you want to buy. If you cannot answer right away, then the question will go to water based or oil-based paint. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. With oil based, you will need more time to finish the project. It offers a glossy finish and better coverage than a water-based product. This paint could also cover the previous paint.
On the other hand, water-based paint is better in terms of odor. It has a neutral scent and you can work in an indoor setting. Be careful when painting with this product, as it dries quickly. Calculate your brushstroke carefully. Also, you might need a second or third coating to get the intended color.
2. Sanding Wood
One tip before you start painting; wood pores need to be opened before applying any stain. If you work with a finished surface, then you need to sand it. You could grab the sand-grid paper or turn on the grid machine. The point is getting the outer layer peeled so you could see the wood grain. If you do it by hand, then start with 120 options then to 220.
Another tip for the sanding process; it is better to sand according to the grain direction. If you go against the grain, the result won’t be great. You might also have spindles on chairs. Instead of regular grid sand, you could use a foam sanding block.
3. Applying Wood Conditioner
Have you heard of wood conditioners? This item helps the paints to stick better. It also decreases the chance of getting blotches. Before applying the wood conditioner, the previously sanded wood should be cleaned up properly. Double check for any debris or fine dust on the surface.
Later in the process, you will need to alternate brush types depending on the surface you are working with. For wood conditioner, you can use any paintbrush. There is no need to buy a special brush for the job. Leave the wood for approximately 15 minutes. If the conditioner is not absorbed yet, then wait a little longer.
4. Applying First Layer
Think you are ready for the staining process? Do small preparations before doing the job. Grab your chosen paint and the brush. You could use a bristled paintbrush but be prepared for thorough cleaning later. Stain is not the easiest to clean. If you want something more functional, then pick the foam brush. It could be thrown away after use.
Previously you have to choose between oil-based or water-based paint. For oil-based paint, you need to stir well before dipping the brush. This type of paint is made from mineral spirit, pigment, and dyes. When the paint sits still for some time, the pigment is often buried at the bottom. Some professional workers even bring a new basket to pour the paint and stir it again.
How to Stain Wood Furniture Darker
Wood furniture can be stained to achieve different colors, depending on the type of wood and the desired effect. How to stain wood furniture darker? To stain wood furniture darker, you will need a dark wood stain, a cloth, and a piece of sandpaper.
First, identify the type of wood you are working with. Different types of wood take different types of stains differently. If you are not sure what type of wood your furniture is made from, you can test a small area by applying a light coat of stain to it. If the wood is light colored, the stain will be absorbed; if the wood is dark colored, the stain will be less visible.
Once you have identified the type of wood, select a dark wood stain that matches or contrasts with the color of the wood. Apply the stain to a cloth and rub it into the surface of the wood using circular motions. Be sure to apply the stain evenly and to get into all the cracks and crevices.
Let the stain dry completely before moving on to the next step. If there are any areas where the stain has not been absorbed or if there are any streaks or blotches, use a piece of sandpaper to lightly sand them down until they are even with the rest of the surface. Be careful not to sand too much or you may damage the surface of the furniture.
Different types of wood might require different painting techniques. Here are some tips to handle popular wood types.
1. Oak
This wood is probably the favorite among all woods. It has big pores, so the stain will be absorbed well without any blotches. For an even better result, you are suggested to apply the stain in a circular motion, following the grain.
2. Alder and Alphen
Those who complain about blotches are more likely to use either wood type. Despite their light wood, easy affordability, and handling, you need to be extra careful while staining. It is a must to apply wood conditioner beforehand. If you forget, then the stain absorption won’t be even.
3. Ash And Chestnut
These two are loved for their hardwood nature. It is guaranteed to serve for a long time before breaking down. As for the characteristic, it possesses a similar quality to oak. You also need to apply the stain in a circular motion.
4. Birch
People often use this to compensate for the expensive hardwood layer. It could be found on the kitchen counter and furniture surfaces. One warning for you; birch wood doesn’t match with a dark stain. It also has a problem absorbing stains. The best way to handle it is by applying a wood conditioner and choosing a light tone.
5. Cherry And Mahogany
It is rare for people to stain these woods. The cherry type has a distinct color that inspires its name. Also, cherry wood has very tiny pores. You would spend a lot of time and effort for nothing. Mahogany wood is known for its dark tone and needs no more staining. Even carpenter only applies to finish layer on them.
6. Hard Maple
The characteristic of this wood is similar to cherry wood. It has tiny pores that cannot absorb stains well. As expected, this variant is doing great with stain. To make things worse, you will see how the grain is not balanced. If you insist to stain it, then you have to apply wood conditioner then pick neutral to medium light only.
Just like sanding, you should go with the wood grain direction. Aim to have an even coat rather than a pretty layer. You could fix that on the next layer. To work on a vertical surface, there is one product called gel stain. It won’t drip and stick nicely on a wooden surface. Allow the stain to dry for about three hours for water-based paint and 24 hours for oil based before adding another layer.
Read also: Best Paint For Outdoor Wood Furniture. Must Know!
Applying More Layers
Have you thought about the shade and wood color you want? Depending on the wood type and dark tone, you will re-coat the wood surface again. For your information, normal shade could be seen after one or two layers only. It applies to both oil-based and water-based paint. If you are not sure, try double coating before adding another layer.
Keep in mind that the stain is not finished. You still have another job to apply sealant on the furniture surface. It is important to apply this layer after the stain completely dries. Popular options for the finishing touch are wax, polyurethane, and oil. Each of them has different look once applied. Ask some experts for their opinion or you could ask the staff in the paint shop.
Originally posted 2022-09-24 11:40:18.
