Wood Finishing Basics

Wood finishing is fun and easy. We'll take you through the wood finishing process including preparing the wood, choosing the proper applicator, and applying traditional and one-step finishes. Read the entire page from start to finish, or jump to the topic you are most interested in using one of the quick links below.

Choosing the Right Wood

Look around your home. The floor may be oak or maple; the baseboard and window sills may be clear-finished pine, poplar or cherry. Kitchen cabinets could be solid or laminated, from knotty pine, oak, maple, or cherry. With so many types of wood available, it's important to learn how to recognize and evaluate basic types of woods to recognize their strengths and weaknesses.

For a quick primer on how various types of wood compare to each other, check out this handy wood species chart.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT TYPE OF WOOD TO USE?

Before making your purchase, think about how you intend to use the wood. When choosing the actual piece of wood, check for any twists or warping. Look for splits at the ends of the board and surface defects like knots. Look for machine marks, insect holes, dents, and shipping scars. Will these defects affect how you intend to use the wood? Compare the different types of grain patterns. Try to match grain patterns in boards that will be used next to one another, since differences will become more pronounced once you brush on a coat of stain. Finally, once you've made your decision, be sure to measure the wood before you buy it.

Workspace and Supplies

Before starting any wood finishing project, it is important to have a proper workspace and supplies. When creating the ideal area, keep the following in mind:

The work station must have adequate light.
Always work in a well ventilated area.
The workspace should be dry and warm. If the area is cool or damp, it may alter the dry times indicated on the labels.

There are a number of items frequently used in wood finishing projects. This list does not include all the supplies needed, but what is most commonly used. Always consult the label of the Minwax^® products you are using to see if special application tools are required.

Rags
Brushes
Sandpaper
Paper Towels

Stir Sticks
Safety Glasses
Rubber Gloves
Drop Cloths or Newspapers

For best results and your own safety, always read and follow all label warnings and instructions carefully.

Choosing the Proper Applicator

Stains may be applied with clean rags, cheese cloth, brushes, and other applicators. For best results when using a brush, make sure it is a high-quality one. Why?

It carries more finish, meaning fewer trips to the can.
Your work will be neater, with fewer runs and drips.
It won't leave bristles in your finish.
It responds better to cleaning and storage.
It springs back to life the next time you reach for it.
It will last longer.

What are the characteristics of a high-quality brush?

Long, silky, flexible bristles of varying lengths.
Bristles with "flagged" or split tips.
A non-corrosive metal or plastic ferrule.
Contoured wooden handle.
Tapered, well-secured bristles.
Well-balanced feel.

Minwax^® offers high-quality natural and synthetic bristle brushes specifically designed for use with Minwax^® wood finishing products:

Minwax^® Wood Finish™ Stain Brush
is a natural bristle brush specifically designed for use with oil-based stains.
Minwax^® Polyurethane Brush
is a natural bristle brush for use with oil-based clear finishing products.
Minwax^® Polycrylic^® Brush
is a synthetic bristle brush specifically designed for application of water-based stains and finishing products.

Wood Preparation

One of the most important steps in wood finishing is sanding. A thorough sanding is often what separates "acceptable" results from "professional looking" results. Start with a medium grade of sandpaper (e.g. #120) and gradually work your way to a finer grade (e.g. #220). Sand in the direction of the grain for a smooth, uniform finish and remove all sanding dust using a vacuum, dry paint brush or cloth. Look out for dried glue, especially in the joint area. If it's not thoroughly removed by sanding, it will interfere with the staining process. End-grains (areas where the wood has been cut against the grain), such as the front side of a table, tend to soak up more stain than surfaces cut with the grain. With additional sanding to end-grain areas, you can better control the absorption of stain.

SANDING TIPS

To sand between chair spindles, wrap a strip of sandpaper around the spindle and work it back and forth like dental floss.
For bigger jobs, use a power sander, but first practice on a spare piece of wood.
To check your work, run a sock over the sanded wood. If it snags, you'll need to re-sand the area.

For more preparation tips and tricks, check out The Basics of Proper Wood Preparation.

Choosing a Stain Color

The final color result is determined by four factors: the color of the stain selected; the nature of the wood and how porous it is; how long the stain is left on, from a few seconds to a maximum of 15 minutes; and the extent of wiping when removing excess stain. Choose from over 100 stain colors, using the online Minwax^® Stains Color Guide or a sample wood chip board at your local Minwax^® retailer. But remember: different species of wood absorb stain differently. Always test the color on a hidden section of the wood you are using.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Minwax^® stains can be mixed together to create custom tones. For example, it's easy to lighten any tone of Minwax^® Wood Finish™ by adding Minwax^® Wood Finish™ Natural. Before mixing wood tones, look at the predominant color of the wood you are matching. Is it reddish, grayish, blondish or yellowish? Use a stain with that hue as your base and add lesser amounts of a secondary stain until you reach the desired tint or tone. Try not to mix more than three wood tones at a time. That way it's easier to control and replicate the outcome. Be sure to mix enough to complete the entire project.

You can use stains to give inexpensive wood expensive-looking appearance. But, you must use wood with a similar grain. For example, if you want to stain a less expensive wood to achieve a cherry appearance, you must use a wood like maple, which has a tight-grained pattern similar to cherry. Likewise, poplar is often used as a substitute for white oak.

One-Step or Two-Step?

THE TRADITIONAL TWO-STEP FINISHING SYSTEM

For the traditional two-step finish, first stain the wood and then apply a clear protective finish. The two-step finishing system permits independent control over each step - the depth of color and the level of protection. This system is used to obtain rich, professional looking finishes on small and large projects as well as on antiques.

STEP ONE: APPLYING STAIN

The first step is to add color to wood by adding stain. Choose from Minwax^® Wood Finish™, Minwax^® Gel Stain, or Minwax^® Water Based Wood Stain and apply according to label instructions. For expert application tips and specific advice for staining some of the more popular wood types, see the guide to Staining Interior Wood.

STEP TWO: APPLYING CLEAR PROTECTIVE FINISH

The second step in the process is to apply a clear protective finish. This protects, preserves, and enhances the natural beauty of the wood. To select the best finish for your project, check out the Guide to Clear Finishes.

ONE-STEP PRODUCTS

Unlike the traditional two-step approach, one-step products like Minwax^® PolyShades^®, Minwax^® Water Based WoodSheen^®, and Minwax^® Express Color Wiping Stain & Finish provide both color and protection at the same time. They can simplify the finishing process and reduce finishing time. One-step products are ideal for use on smaller pieces, such as decorative items that don't experience high wear and tear.

Helpful Tips

To prevent wood swelling and warping due to changes in temperature and moisture, finish all exposed surfaces of the wood item. This includes areas not easily visible, like the insides of cabinets and drawers and the undersides of tables.
Allow the stain to dry the recommended amount of time before applying the first coat of a clear finish. Applying the protective finish before the stain has completely dried may result in chipping, peeling, or bleeding of color.
When using a clear protective finish, "tip-off" each section. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and lightly run the bristles over the length of the finish to remove all evidence of brush strokes and break any bubbles that may have occurred.
When applying additional coats of a protective finish, the bottom coat must be dry before recoating. Sand between coats to improve coat-to-coat adhesion and carefully remove all sanding dust before recoating. Failure to follow these steps may result in adhesion problems.
If you have product left over, wipe the can rim so that the product doesn't dry out and so that rust doesn't form on the can. This will also help you seal the can properly. After sealing, store cans away from heat.
Clean brushes soiled with oil-based finishes using mineral spirits. Soap and water are all that is needed for brushes used with water-based products.

Proper and Safe Clean-Up

Rags, steel wool and other waste soaked with oil finishes may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Place rags, steel wool and waste immediately after use in a water-filled metal container. Tightly seal and then dispose of in accordance with local regulations. Be sure to keep the container out of the reach of children.