I have never done it this was so I was hoping for some input. Before you can begin staining the trim, it has to be properly sanded. Whichever type of wood you are staining, always follow the manufacturers instructions for whatever products you use to ensure the best results. Sand tight cracks with folded sandpaper. This may sound like a lot of work, but believe me, if you use fresh paper and sponges, the sanding goes fast. Take your time and be thorough if you want good results. When the oil has cured, apply paste wax for protection. Allow this to dry according to the label recommendations and then sand with fine steel wool or 220-grit sandpaper. If the stain is too light, apply a second coat. You could, though, do your stain/varnishing, and then rub down your pieces. It can be time consuming and it takes a level of technique to get the color just right so that it comes out even all the way around. If you have the option, sand the wood outdoors or in a room thats separate from the finishing area. Before you begin, test the stain on a scrap trim board or a hidden area of the trim to make sure it is the color you want. You can lighten stain easily by diluting it with paint thinner. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Put a piece of 6" or 8" painters paper under the trim as you install it. If you want to add more color after applying your base coat of stain, the process is exactly the same as before just make sure to wait at least three hours before adding any more coats of stain if applying two coats in one session. Rabbeting a shelf; Strength vs. appearance, Editor's Letter: A new tool with every project. With either a brush or lint-free cloth, apply it in the direction of the grain. Avoid fast-drying stains. Similarly, staining and finishing new window or door trim requires exacting application to keep the finish material off the walls. UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all. Brush on the sanding sealer in the direction of the grain until the whole surface is coated (Photo 7). When staining trim, you may wish to use a natural brush for better control of your project. Always keep a wet/dry vacuum on hand to clean up after sanding dust and paint chips. Once you finish, protect your newly-stained trim with an exterior clear coat to prevent future damage. Sand carefully, especially near sharp corners. Blemishes can include dirt, fingerprints, machining imperfections and label residue. Experiment with different types until you find the one that suits your needs. Soapy water works well too, but be careful if the wood is sealed because soapy water can cause more problems than it fixes. Always sand in the direction of the grain and sand every square inch whether you think it needs it or not. It doesnt take long for stain to start drying, and it becomes sticky and hard to remove. Rags are messy and waste stain. We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter. Watch for streaks. Polyurethane finishes are tough and have their place, especially on high-wear, water-prone surfaces like tabletops and hardwood floors. Depending on the type of project you have for your trim it may be worth the time adjusting the color of your paint with a tinted wood conditioner. Sand flat surfaces with a 100-grit sanding sponge, in the direction of the grain, until you eliminate imperfections and rough areas. Your email address will not be published. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Edit: Prefinishing works best when possible, "WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST". The sanding tool you select depends on the profile and size of the trim youre finishing. Lay the trim, with the face side up, on a flat surface. Its formulated with more solids than conventional clear coats, making it very easy to sand. Wipe to remove excess oil. If you see brush marks after tipping off, leave them and sand them out later. Buy a box at a home center. Tip-off the surface immediately using long strokes from end to end. Take care not to miss any spots. They may leave behind dyes and wont absorb stain nearly as well. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You can easily mold it to the contours of the various trim profiles. This works great when we have to install and paint base molding over new carpeting. You may have to shop around a bit. When sanding, take care to avoid any form of metal or wire showing through. If that happens, just retouch with more stain to even up the color. But theyre less forgiving to use. Staining trim is a great way to add color and character to your home, especially if the wood trim has already been installed. Then add more finish wherever its needed. Work quickly; sanding sealers dry fast. Apply the stain from an unpainted area back into the last area covered. If youre working on a table you dont wish to damage, lay a drop cloth or plastic sheeting over the surface first. before I installeach piece. You really have to be careful not to make a mess of the walls and floors when staining, althoughthe latex wall paint easily covered the stain that got on the wall. Thatll further even out the coat and help eliminate brush marks. Or do your clear-coat work after everyones gone to bed. But measure carefully so you can replicate your results on a larger scale. Staining trim can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. Trying to match a stain thats on existing trim is difficult, especially if the trim is more than a few years old. Gloves. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration. Let the stain dry overnight before you start the finish coats. Finally, closely examine the surface for smudges, brush marks and blotches. Tack cloths. Wipe with light, even pressure. A clean work area is crucial for a smooth, blemish-free finish. Cover the puttied spots with a thin coat of clear finish. Refold wiping rags frequently so you have dry cloth for most strokes, and grab a new rag whenever one gets soaked. Heres a list. Use natural-bristle brushes when using oil-based stains. Depending on the manufacturers instructions, you may need to wipe down the surface with a rag or let it fully dry before starting your project. Sand curves with a 100-grit pad. If I had to do it again, I would definitely prestain and finish the trim before installation. Again, use a clean cloth for this rather than simply reusing the one thats already stained. Its easiest to make color corrections while the stain is still damp. To make your stain coat even, first apply a wood conditioner made especially for this purpose. 03. cans in the color family youre interested in. Sand just enough to remove the sheen. Uneven wood textures will make the stain an uneven color. Theres no need to reseal small areas. Renee Miller began writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the "Community Press" newspaper. Staining your trim can bring new life to your home, even if it is already installed. You may want to experiment with the length of time you let the stain set and the amount of coats you use. Sanding supplies. Continue applying stain to each piece of trim until you cover all pieces. You may need to seal the wood with a "stain controller" before staining to make the stain a more even color if you are using softwoods, such as maple, cherry, poplar, birch or pine. The best application method is to simply dip a natural-bristle brush into the stain and brush it right onto the wood (Photo 4). Another common problem is burn marks. Whenever you're finishing any new trim, stain it before putting it up. 10. Fill gaps, gouges and other imperfections in the trim with wood putty, and then proceed with sanding and finishing. Avoid lap marks by maintaining a wet edge. Be sure you have a drop cloth under your board before you do this step. I have a project where I am installing some complicated trim around some interior windows, and I think that it would be easier to stain after the install. 100-percent cotton painters rags. Shaking can cause bubbles to form, ruining the even application of the product. Use natural-bristle brushes when using oil-based stains. A thicker layer is better than too thin so pay attention to detail here. It is possible to protect the bare woods color by using transparent wood stains. Smooth it with a putty knife and sand smooth once it is dry. Staining is the least involved method of finishing wood, but it does require a little more attention to detail. If you wait too long before tipping off, youll leave brush marks. (Use the same method to mix the sanding sealer and the wood varnish later.) Experiment with different types until you find the one that suits your needs. To avoid runs, don't load the brush when working near edges. Do not round mitered ends or they wont butt against each other properly. In this article, well show you a simple three-day process thatll give you great results every time. It is appropriate to protect exterior wood surfaces during inclement weather. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Miller holds a diploma in social services from Clarke College in Belleville, Ontario. Commenting has been disabled. If there are rooms overhead, declare a moratorium on overhead foot traffic during finishing. I have only used this method on base molding but it may work (a bit more difficult) on other areas. Dont sand with finer grits at this stage or youre likely to end up with uneven stain. Once everything has been removed, sweep or vacuum up any dust that may be on the floor where you will be working. Wipe the trim with a tack cloth and apply a second coat of finish. Lighten dark areas by rubbing them lightly with a rag dampened with paint thinner. Brush sanding sealer evenly onto the entire length of each board. Get instant access to over 100 digital plans available only to UNLIMITED members. Either way, specks in the finish mean the room is still dirty. Use them to eliminate the last specks of dust after you sand between coats. A cheap brush is more likely to leave brush marks and bristles in the finish. Then add another topcoat of varnish. Then, I daba little stain on end cuts (miters, etc.) This step is crucial for achieving a uniform wood surface thatll absorb stain evenly. Wipe off the stain with clean cotton rags in the same order you put it on. (Its not the tedious, mind numbing job you might think it is!) These woods tend to get splotchy if you do not seal them prior to staining. Its aggressive and cuts and smoothes quickly. An investment in good tools and accessories will greatly speed up the job and increase the quality of your finishing work. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. In-depth articles, up-close photography, and detailed illustrations. You don't need expensive tools or special knowledge or skills to get a flawless finishjust sand, stain, seal and finish. Wipe off any excess stain with a clean lint-free cloth. Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. As a last resort, find a furniture refinisher thats willing to help. For a satin-smooth oil finish, rub the dry surface between coats with extra-fine (#0000) steel wool. Youll know if you wipe too lightly because youll leave streaks. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the wood to absorb the stain and then wipe away the excess with a rag, advise Minwax. Natural bristles should not be used with water-based stains. Thatll minimize runs and sags and help finishes to level out so brush marks will disappear. If you use a sanding sealer thats incompatible with the wood varnish, the surface may crinkle or even flake off. Thatll keep ventilation fans from stirring up more dust or bringing it in from other rooms. Let the oil soak in for about 10 minutes (read label directions). Then brush wood varnish over the entire surface, tipping it off to minimize brush marks. Find tack cloths in the paint department. Buy two 2-1/2-in. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. Immediately tip-off the wet finish by stroking the entire surface from end to end with long, light, overlapping strokes of the wet brush (Photo 8). All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Trim installed in high traffic areas will need at least two to three coats of finish. Once you install the trim, fill in nail holes and indentations with wood putty or a wax pencil that is the same color as the trim, instructs Ron Hazelton. Then clear finish in situ.You pay your money and take your choice.I prefer that route as I like to finish the walls without trim . Let it sit for a couple of minutes and then wipe it off again. Instead, use polyester or nylon bristle brushes. 08. If you take care of it and clean it well, a top-quality brush will last for 20 years or more. We recommend our users to update the browser. Shaking stains and clear finishes may add bubbles to your finish. Well limit our staining techniques to methods that work well on coarse-grained woods, such as oak, ash and walnut. Start by stirring the stain. Required fields are marked *. To learn about this and more, check out our tips below on staining and varnishing trim. Next, finish the samples with the same sealer and varnish coats you plan to use, to get an accurate finished look. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Clean stain from cracks and crevices with a dry brush. It may look muddy at first, but that will clear up when you wipe off the excess. Buy a 1-gallon can to clean brushes and to thin stain if needed. Clean the room more thoroughly or find another, cleaner place to work for the next coat. Youll likely have two sheen choicesgloss (shiny) and satin (flat)but dont be afraid to mix equal quantities of gloss and satin if semi-gloss is the look youre after. Next, dry-brush any cracks or crevices that the rag couldnt reach by dragging a dry brush through them (Photo 6). To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This way, youll get a feel for the color and how easily the product applies. Replace any hardware before staining to protect it from damage. Reapply until the wood will not absorb any more oil. Instead, use polyester or nylon bristle brushes. Wait 24 hours for it to completely dry before oiling or protecting your newly-stained trim. Spread out stain-soaked rags and let them dry before disposing of them in a waste container. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Editor's Letter: Technology and the future of woodworking. But make sure the paint is not peeling or chipping before using this type of stain. Stir the stain to mix the pigments thoroughly, but do not shake. Remove the remaining dust by wiping the surfaces with a tack cloth (Photo 10). For a light tone, first seal the wood with a prepared wood conditioner. Follow the steps below to ensure that your trim looks great for years to come. Wipe off the stain gently and evenly with clean cotton rags in the same order that the stain was applied. If you think you'll have to do some sanding or other work that will hurt pre-stained material, you can just do the edge that meets the wall . With the right tools, you can have beautiful wood without spending hours refinishing it from scratch. To add another coat of wood varnish, prepare the surface as you did after the sanding sealer, including sanding the finish with extra-fine sanding grits, dusting the surfaces and wiping everything down with a tack cloth. For the smoothest application, use a disposable foam brush and work across the grain to fill the pores. The sanded surface should be uniformly dull. If youve already put the trim up, refinishing is much the same, but it requires taping off the wall and some climbing and bending that isn't necessary with uninstalled trim. Stain, finish and when you're done, take a razor knife and cut the paper off. Stain may be applied with clean rags, cheesecloth or brushes. You can use a natural brush or a clean rag to apply it in straight lines. If the trim is already installed on the wall, modify the steps by first taping off the walls and laying a drop cloth on the floor.