Whats the easiest mode to stain/varnish wood for a neophyte? as a xmas present, i did a little wood carving, took me...
as a xmas present, i did a little wood carving, took me forever, but still be fun to do.
anyways, i'd like to distribute it some coating to help protect it.
but i don't know a single piece about staining and what not. i take you have to sand surfaces, apply proper coats and what not. but could someone convey me what basic stuff i entail?
i'd rather not spray, i'd perfer to paint if i could. bar a brush, what do i need? and what should it be made of??? (i see alot of stuff labeled on paint bottles and what not)
and if it help, the wood is birch, i'd just similar to to stain it and give it a bit darker tint, and a fitting shine. i don't want to actually paint it another color. would floor paint or something work?
gratefulness in mortgage
Answers: Michele above me gives one technique, but I am a big enthusiast of wipe on gel stains because I find I get better control. Just get certain that the napkin you use is lint free or you can apply it with a sponge brush and use the lint free cloth to wipe it off. This means of access you can build up color to the intensity that you desire. Whatever method you use, be certain to trademark your work with a non-yellowing, UVB/UVA protecting, polyurethane resembling varathane. It comes in a choice of finishes though if you want shine you will probably want semi-gloss or gloss (they hold samples right effective where they vend it so you can see the difference). Sealing protects your work and makes it glib to clean. Generally, as long as you enjoy no drips or lint, you don't have to sand surrounded by between coats of varathane. But, if you do have imperfection simply rough it up lightly next to fine grit sandpaper or steel wool carefully removing the dust next to a tac cloth before the subsequent coat. One other hint, never shake the varathane it cause bubbles, use a paint stirer to mix it prior to application.
The easy instrument to stain is to stir the stain then dip a cotton tablecloth in it. Then wipe on your project and wipe the excess past its sell-by date to even it up. Sand and wipe it off until that time staining. If you carved intricate designs, then be sure and use a q-tip to stain those areas.