Finishing Bare Wood | |
Interior wood finishing techniques vary depending on whether you are finishing new wood or refinishing old wood. If you are remodeling or building new, you will be working with unfinished raw wood. Wood trim and cabinets are presanded at the factory, and require only light sanding to remove any blemishes or scuff marks. Use medium to fine sandpaper and sand the wood lightly. Always sand with the grain. You can use a sheet of sandpaper, folded into thirds and hand-held, or attach the sandpaper to a sanding block. For sanding curved surfaces, choose a flexible sanding block that can be pressed to fit the contour of the wood. If you wish to stain the wood, check the stain samples at your dealer to select the right shade. If you wish to match existing trim, remove a small piece of the trim and take it to the paint dealer so you can compare the stain choices with the stain you wish to match. If no stock stain matches your existing stain, your dealer can custom-mix stain to match your sample. If you must have stain custom-mixed, be sure to buy enough to do the complete job. Follow the manufacturer's directions for applying the stain. For fast stain application, use a sponge brush or buy a large sponge and wear rubber gloves to apply the stain. Just pour the stain in a paint tray, dip the sponge into the stain, and wipe it on the wood. If you are remodeling, it is much easier to apply the stain before you install the trim, because you need not protect the walls from the stain. Just set up a pair of sawhorses and lay the trim pieces across the sawhorses. Then dip a sponge into the stain, wipe it onto the trim pieces, then wipe the excess away with a clean cloth. After applying the stain, wipe the wet stain with a clean cloth or toweling. The wiping step will remove surplus stain and will ensure even stain application. Using a sponge applicator for stain as mentioned above will minimize the amount of wiping needed. When the stain has dried, check the shade. If the wood is the right shade, you can proceed with the finishing; if the stain is too light, apply another coat. The shade will also deepen if you let the stain set on the surface longer before you wipe it. The next step is to lightly sand the stain coat and then apply the sealer or first coat of finish. Ask your dealer to select the right sealer that is compatible with the finish coat. Let the sealer dry, then sand lightly. Use a tack rag or a cloth dipped in mineral spirits to remove the dust from the stained surface. Again, to avoid scratches in the wood, always sand with the grain. Next, mix wood putty to match the stain you have used. Fill all the nail holes with wood putty. The best application method is to carry a small ball of putty in your hand and press it into the nail holes with your thumb. When staining wood, it is best to putty the nail holes only after you have applied the sealer. If you apply the putty to unsealed wood, the oil in the putty may leach or soak into the wood around the nail, leaving a dime-sized stain around each nail hole. Finally, apply the varnish or polyurethane finish. Choose the right gloss: the finishes are available in either satin or gloss. Again, follow label directions for application. written by the editors of HouseNet. copyright HouseNet, Inc. 1996 |