It’s no secret in my family that my favorite style is Arts and Crafts, so when I saw a need for a stand to store our magazines and catalogs, I decided to make one in the Arts and Crafts/Mission Oak style from, what else? — oak, of course!
I started as I do every project: with a light sanding using #180-grit sandpaper. This not only removes minor nicks and scratches, but the sandpaper also opens up the pores of the wood so that they will accept our stain and finish.
While you can select any color of stain you like, I opted for Coffee in the Minwax® Gel Stain line because it brought out the grain of the oak and matched the color we so often find on antique Arts and Crafts furniture. You simply rub on the Gel Stain, let it absorb into the pores for a few minutes, then wipe off any extra stain.
Whenever possible, I stain my boards before assembly, using protective rubber pads on my clamps to prevent them from leaving any dents in the wood.
After the glue had dried, I sealed the stain and protected the wood with two coats of clear Polycrylic® Protective Finish in the semi-gloss sheen. I also could have opted for clear Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane, but since it was too cold to open the garage doors while I was applying my finish, I elected to use the water-based Polycrylic, which has no fumes needing to be vented.
And here’s a quick finishing tip: to duplicate an authentic vintage Arts and Crafts finish, gently rub out your final coat of dried finish with a fine synthetic pad dipped in Minwax® Paste Finishing Wax in Special Dark. As soon as the wax begins to harden, buff it out with a clean, soft cloth for a finish so smooth your friends will assume it was done professionally.
Here is my completed magazine stand next to a vintage Arts and Crafts library table in my office. The combination of the Minwax® Gel Stain, Polycrylic® Protective Finish, and the Paste Finishing Wax really came together to give the new oak boards an authentic Arts and Crafts look.
Until next time,
Thanks for stopping by!
Bruce