Mission style furniture started being used in the late 1900s. As an answer to the ornate and very ornamental furniture styles of the Victoria era, Mission furniture became a simple solution from a highly decorative era. Genuine traditional furniture is made of oak, a very hard wood, which may also be a reason why the style is very simple with rectangular shapes and straight lines. If you are lucky enough to find an authentic piece of mission furniture, treat it with care. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean the furniture to be stained. A new stain will not adhere to wood that has grease, oil or dirt buildup. Select a cleaner that will also remove old finish as well.
2. Lightly sand the wood with a fine grit sandpaper to remove any excess stain or sealer. This sanding will also prepare the surface to accept the new stain. Wipe off with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
3. Apply stain with a rag or sponge in the direction of the wood grain. Applying in the direction of the grain will ensures the stain soaks into the wood to give a true color. Let dry and repeat. Use gloves to keep stain from your skin and newspaper underneath the furniture being stained.
4. Protect the finish and the wood by applying two to three coats of polyurethane. Clear coat, or polyurethane is a protectant for the finish and will keep dirt and water from entering into the wood. Apply the protectant, also in the direction of the wood grain. Once it dries, lightly sand the surface with a fine grit sandpaper. Repeat for the second and third coats.
Tags: direction wood, direction wood grain, fine grit, fine grit sandpaper, grit sandpaper