If your old wood finish has become unsightly or you simply desire a new look, darkening the wood is an effective way to restore it. This is also an inexpensive alternative to completely redecorating or refinishing the wood. Completing this process is relatively easy and is possible for most people when following seven steps. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Cover any areas you do not wish to darken with painter's tape. Also, remove any screws, hinges or other hardware that you do not want to darken as well.
2. Dip a clean rag into mineral spirits and thoroughly wipe down the wood. This will remove grease and any other debris on the wood's surface.
3. Sand the surface of the wood with a piece of 220-grit sandpaper. Go with the grain and use light strokes because you only want to sand the wood enough so that the finish will adhere to it. Wipe off any leftover debris once you have finished with a clean, slightly moist rag.
4. Apply a coat of tinted finish to the wood's surface using a clean paintbrush. Be sure to go with the grain of the wood. The color of the finish will depend on the shade you desire.
5. Allow the finish to dry for at least 12 hours. If you wish to darken the wood further, repeat the previous steps again.
6. Apply a coat of polyurethane finish to the wood using a clean paintbrush. This will help to prevent the tinted finish from bleeding and will give the wood a smoother surface. Allow this to dry for at least 12 hours as well.
7. Remove painter's tape and reattach any hardware that was removed.
Tags: Apply coat, clean paintbrush, finish will, finish wood, hardware that