Click to Print This Page Remove all hardware and doors, where necessary. Fill any nail holes with wood filler. Check the piece over thoroughly for scuffs and rough places, sand them with 150 grit sandpaper, SANDING WITH THE GRAIN. Dust piece well. Place furniture on clean cardboard or drop cloth.

Stir stain thoroughly. Stain should be wiped on and wiped off in the same direction of the wood grain using an old t-shirt. A foam brush or natural bristle brush is handy for getting into crevices and turnings. Color should be obtained in one application, if possible. Any glue or water spots (light spots indicate glue, dark spots indicate water stains) you come across, stop staining and sand the spot off with 150 grit sandpaper. Then continue staining. Let stain dry thoroughly (check by wiping piece with a clean piece of white t-shirt).

If using Lacquer:
Read the directions on the can.

Stir the lacquer (never shake, it will cause the lacquer to bubble up). Next, using a natural bristle brush (ONLY), apply one coat of lacquer. After 30 minutes to 1 hour apply the second coat. (Put two coats of lacquer on before sanding,you'll be less likely to sand through to your stain).Let dry overnight. Sand lightly with 220-320 grit sandpaper. Carefully sand moulding and turnings. Stay off sharp edges. Dust well and wipe with a tack cloth (a lightly damp t-shirt rag works well). Apply the third and final coat.

If using Polyurethane:
Read the directions on the can.

Stir the polyurethane(never shake). Let each coat dry thoroughly (it is dry enough, if when sanding it makes dust). Polyurethaneneeds sanding between every coat for adhesion. Sand with 220-320 grit sandpaper.

- Follow product instructions on the can.
- Take your time, letting each coat dry thoroughly.
- Keep your project piece as dust free as possible.
- When using lacquer, do not over brush. Very little brushing is needed with Self-Leveling Deft Lacquer.

Hint 1:
After the first coat of finish, wrap bristle brush in aluminum foil and freeze (this is so you only have to buy one brush and there will be no need for cleaner). Let your brush thaw while stirring finish for final coat. Clean up with thinner. Lacquer thinner for lacquer and mineral spirits for polyurethane. (This won't work with water based products)

Hint 2:
We have a very knowledgeable staff for any technical questions. Also a finisher on site if he needs to finish or fix your finishing project.


Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware where applicable. Fill and sand all voids and nail holes. Sand any rough spots including end grain using 150 grit sandpaper and finishing with #220 grade sandpaper. Brush on one coat of pigmented shellac (for pine) or, one or two coats of water based primer wall paint (for other woods). Let dry and sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Brush one or two coats of a good oil base enamel (alkyd). This is available in satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Spray cans are also convenient for small pieces. For outdoor pieces, use all outdoor products.

Dent and scratch bare wood before priming.

Distress (if you want that look) then completely paint. After final coat dries, sand thoroughly for worn areas and wipe on wipe off Deft Step Saver color of your choice.


These are general finishing instructions. Problems not mentioned may arise. Tips are for use with finishing products from Fine Wood Furniture only.