Woodwork – Stain & Polyurethane

When the new windows were installed there was some work that we had to take care of.  The bay window was completely replaced.  This meant that the interier wood was removed to make way for the new window.  The interior was left to us to paint or stain according to the style of the house.  We chose stain as it would match the rest of the house, Jacobean. 

Staining is an easy process requiring little effort but a bit of preparation.  First a good sanding with a palm sander using 120 grit for the flat surfaces… then good old elbow greese with a piece of sand paper for the molding.  Once this is done use a dry cloth to get up all the dust prior to staining.  NEVER use a damp cloth prior to the stain being applied!  The reason is it will permanently leave a spot where the stain will not adhere properly.  Apply stain using a foam brush, rag or regular brush but have a rag ready to mop up any excess.  If you are not steady of hand, use painter’s tape but remember to remove as soon as you are done.

Now you are ready for the polyurethane.  The preparation for this is to smooth the now stained and dried wood with steel wool.  A light sanding with the wool will knock down any imperfections in the wood that happened during the application of the stain.  Now, using a damp cloth, you can wipe the surface to be sure that all of the steel wool is picked up.  Once dry, apply polyurethane with a brush making sure it is a light even coat.  Try not to retouch places you have already been and keep your strokes long and in the direction of the wood grain.  Repeat the steel wool and damp cloth prior to applying a second coat.  I applied a third coat on the shelf since I will have plants in the window and want to protect the wood against water damage.

This project can definitely be completed in one weekend with plenty of time between coats to accomplish other tasks.  Just remember to not stir up dust in the room you are finishing the wood in… such as vacuuming or dusting as it will only settle in the wet polyurethane and ruin your finish.  Also, be sure to work in a well ventilated area… keep the window open!

~ by Babs on October 28, 2008.