Preparation For Woodwork Staining And Varnishing

Clean and Sand

Firstly, when preparing woodwork for staining and varnishing we examine the surface for imperfections. If the wood has previously been painted, we begin by removing any old, cracked or loose paint with a scraper.

Then we sand down the wood lightly. This opens the pores and allows the stain to absorb.

To start, we use a 120 medium-grit sandpaper, gradually working up to a fine 220 grit. The sanding is always in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching the surface.

Next, we remove all remaining dust using a damp lint-free cloth and a hoover. It is important to make the surrounding area clean before we begin staining or varnishing. We want to ensure that the area is completely dust-free. Any dust that remains in the air could gather on the piece and tarnish the work.

 

Woodwork Staining And Varnishing Application

Application and Sealing

Once the area is free of dust, we are ready for the first application. We then begin to apply the stain/varnish going against the grain for better absorption, sanding lightly between each layer.

We can either rub or brush on to get a good standard finish. The technique chosen depends on the type of wood we are working on. We leave it to soak in for a time in accordance with the richness of colour required.

In time, the excess is wiped away. After that, we wipe the piece down with a dry cloth in the direction of the grain.

Finally, once the stain/varnish has dried, we apply a thin coat of clear finish. We repeat this step several times to enhance the final look of the wood, sanding between each layer. This provides added durability to the wood and stain/varnish.