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*Staining Wood Tips*

Tips for Beautifying the Wood in Your Home

No matter if you're looking to spruce up an older piece of worn wooden furniture or impart your own unique style to an unfinished piece, you can bring out the beauty of wood with accent stains.

Staining adds color and character to wood by bringing out its natural beauty, and you don't even need to be an accomplished do-it-yourselfer to do a great job

Used properly, stains accentuate wood, enhance the grain pattern, change its appearance or even make it look like another type of wood to emphasize the finer points in furniture, cabinets, moldings or other wood around your home.

Accent staining in particular is a good technique to use when you want to draw attention to the unique details of furniture or to highlight the variety of wood species used on a particular project.

To help you get started on your wood staining project,

When applying an accent stain, try using a soft, lint-free cloth for maximum control in spreading the stain color onto the wood. Begin by dipping the cloth into the stain and then apply the stain to the wood using a circular motion.

Finish by wiping the area with a clean cloth to get rid of excess and be sure to wipe in the direction of the wood grain. After you wipe, if the piece of furniture doesn't look dark enough to your liking, apply more stain, but be sure to wipe again when done.

After the stain has dried completely a clear sealer should be applied to protect the finish. A polyurethane sealer comes in several finishes and will make the stain look a shade darker.

Choosing a color can be a daunting task but can be equally rewarding. From the rich warmth of wood tones, to the nature-inspired blue and green stains, and even the popular and vibrant reds, the color possibilities are endless. (photo2)

By combining traditional stain choices with exciting new accent colors, you can transform your woodworking project into a one-of-a-kind treasure.

For a truly unique accent look, try blending colors together to create your own special finish. Experiment with various colors and mixes, and be sure to test the color on a sample piece of wood before you begin.

When staining your own furniture you should make sure to choose a high quality stain that will penetrate the wood evenly and ensure professional quality results. (photo4)

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