WoodAnswers.Com - Wood 101 for Do-It-Yourselfers

Childhood Dresser

We borrowed an old dresser that had been in storage for the past few years. It originally belonged to the owner's grandmother, but had been put in storage when the owner moved. She thought that she just didn't have the time to refinish it and wasn't really sure that it was worth the effort. Now the dresser is a show piece in her home and the happy owner is talking about refinishing other forgotten treasures.

Varathane Premium Wood Stain

Varathane premium wood stains are made using a proprietary soya-oil base formula for superior penetration and grain enhancement of your wood project. Unlike the competition, Varathane uses premium translucent pigments for truer, cleaner colors that penetrate deep into the wood for long lasting, beautiful color of your stained project.

Our translucent pigments have superior color suspension which means excellent color control and even color coverage. Adding anti-settling ingredients to the formula, mean less stirring of the stain during use. And unlike the competition whose stains often require up to six coats to achieve the color shown on their can, Varathane stain colors can be achieved in just two to three coats. As a result, you have more time to enjoy the finished results of your project, and less time trying to achieve a desired look. It's no wonder Varathane Premium Wood Stains are "Wood's First Choice."

Clear Base Formula:
Varathane Premium Wood Stains are made with clear SOYA oil to provide maximum color clarity and deep penetration which enhances the natural grain appearance.
Ultra-Deep Penetration:
Varathane Premium Wood Stains penetrate up to twice as deep as competitive brands to reveal the beauty of the natural wood grain.
Premium Pigments:
Varathane Premium Wood Stains feature translucent pigments that enhance, not hide, the natural grain detail of the wood.
Easy Application:
Varathane Premium Wood Stains' unique, proprietary anti-settling formula brushes on evenly and does not require constant remixing or stirring.
More Color Choices:
Not just more ready-mix colors, but the right colors -- 24 in all -- including traditional core colors and the latest home decor trends.

Varathane Premium PolyurethaneVarathane® Premium Polyurethane Oil-Based Wood Finish is specially developed to let wood’s natural beauty show through with the highest clarity over other oil-based polyurethanes. Our premium oil-based finish gives wood a rich, golden glow that deepens with warmth over time. Varathane provides outstanding scratch and stain resistance to keep your interior wood projects looking great longer.

Outstanding scratch and stain resistance
Enhances wood’s beauty with warm golden hues
Highest clarity of leading oil-based finishes
Self Leveling
Over 35 years experience in every can

TOOLS & SUPPLIES

( )

Chemical stripper

( )

Sandpaper (80-grit, 120-grit, 180-grit and 220-grit)

( )

Vacuum or clean rag with mineral spirits

( )

Paint brush

( )

Paint stick

( )

Clean, lint-free cloth

( )

Varathane's Premium Wood Conditioner

( )

1 quart Varathane Premium Wood Stain in Traditional Cherry

( )

1 quart Varathane Premium Oil-Based Polyurethane

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Set up your work area and start by removing the hardware and putting it aside. Then prepare the piece by removing the drawers.

STEP 2: We used a chemical stripper to remove the original finish with special attention to detail on the edges. You can also use sandpaper and/or scrapers, but be sure not to damage the patina of the old wood.

STEP 3: Sand the dresser and drawer fronts following our recommended steps for finish-sanding.

STEP 4: Before staining any project, make sure to remove all sanding dust, dirt, grease or glue with a vacuum or clean rag dampened with mineral spirits.

STEP 5: Because our dresser was maple, we applied Varathane's Premium Wood Conditioner with a brush and wiped off the excess with a cloth. If using wood conditioner, you should let it penetrate for 30 minutes before staining.

STEP 6: Be sure to always test your stain to make sure it's the color you want. To test, apply the stain in an inconspicuous area. Make sure that this area is made of the same kind of wood as the rest of the piece. Often drawer insides or even backs of furniture are made with cheaper woods. To achieve a lighter color, wipe the stain immediately after application. For deeper color, either allow the stain to rest for 1 hour before wiping or apply additional coats. For this project, we used Varathane's Premium Wood Stain in Traditional Cherry.

STEP 7: When you're ready to stain, stir the contents of the stain can thoroughly. Apply the stain with a brush (natural or synthetic bristle) or clean, lint-free cloth. Make sure to apply the stain across the grain until the wood is saturated on top. Then wipe the exess stain off in the direction of the wood grain. Don't let the stain dry before wiping the excess.

STEP 8: If you are looking for a darker color, apply a second coat of stain after 2 hours. (Don't sand between coats.)

STEP 9: To protect your wood, use one of Varathane's Premium Wood Finishes. Allow Varathane's Premium Wood Stains to dry for 8 hours when applying an oil-based finish or for 24 hours when applying a water-based finish. We chose Varathane's Oil-Based Polyurethane to protect the dresser.

STEP 10: Stir the polyurethane thoroughly before and during use. To prevent bubbles in the finish, DO NOT SHAKE.

STEP 11: Apply the polyurethane using a good quality, natural bristle brush or applicator.

STEP 12: Allow finish to dry 4 hours and then re-coat. Lower temperatures and/or higher humidity may cause slower dry times. Re-coat only when previous coats have dried clear and feel hard. (Should no longer feel tacky to the touch.) If any coat has dried more than 12 hours, lightly sand before re-coating to avoid brush marks.

STEP 13: Apply additional coats following directions above. A minimum of three coats is recommended. Allow finish to dry 24 hours before light use. Wait three days before subjecting to normal usage.