Guest Blogger Jen of City Farmhouse is back to share some wood finishing tips she learned at our Habitat for Humanity ReStore workshop. Follow along as she walks you through 5 helpful tips you should know before starting your next DIY wood finishing project.
This is a sponsored post by Minwax®.
Hi there friends! A few weekends ago I attended the Made With Love. Finished With Minwax® staining workshop with Minwax® & Bruce Johnson at the Habitat for Humanity Restore in Philadelphia. It was such a great event and trip that I wanted to share some things I learned. There were many things I came away with; things I never knew I was doing wrong that ultimately make a huge difference on how a project turns out.
Here are 5 staining tips every DIYer should know…
1. There is such a thing called “wood prep.” I had no idea! It prevents blotching and streaking to give an even finish. This has happened to me many times, now I know why. So before staining, it’s important to use an oil based wood conditioner like Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, if you’ll be using an oil based stain, or MInwax® Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, if staining with a water based stain. If the label doesn’t say water based, then you can assume it’s oil based.
2. Sanding is important. Sanding before you begin a project and after you pre-stain ensures that your stain will look even. Often bumps & nicks will absorb more stain making it more obvious. I will admit, this is not my favorite thing to do, but worth it in the end. I am a believer, especially after taking this staining class.
3. All brushes are NOT the same. Synthetic brushes are best when working with water based stain because the natural ones soak up the water in the product. Foam brushes are OK, but don’t use them when applying a protective finish, it will bubble. This has also happened to me & now I know why:).
4. Always stir, never shake. This one I knew about, but it’s always a good reminder as I often forget with the stain.
5. All woods do not take stain the same way. This one is a good one. I had no idea that veneer & MDF took stains differently and that there is paint grade wood. It’s best to ask someone at your lumber yard or home improvement store if in doubt. My floating bench, which is veneer took the stain very lightly, whereas MDF just soaks it in.
In addition I realized just how many products Minwax® has specific to your project needs. One that blew my mind was a product called Minwax® Polyshades®. It’s both a stain and protective finish in one product. This would be perfect for cabinets or another project where you want a stain & protective finish in one. What a time saver!!! FYI, this isn’t meant for a high traffic area such as floors or stairs.
We also did a demo with all different colors of stains, there are SO many cool ones!!!
This was a group shot of all the ladies who attended, left to right, Christy from Cure 4 Decor, Denise from The Painted Home, Jen from Tiny Anchor Studios, Christina from Christina’s Adventures, Charlotte from At Charlotte’s House & Me.
Just to refresh your memory on some of my favorite Minwax® projects…
DIY Floating Bench
Live Edge Bench
DIY Modern Rustic Beam
Driftwood Sculptures
Jen shares DIY projects and thrifty decorating solutions. Her design philosophy is that bringing style to your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Learn more about Jen and visit City Farmhouse. You Can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
