This is what I was working with.
Something you need to know before you start this stain project: You will need to devote up to two weeks to complete this! So if you have guests coming into town or any important events that are coming up that you require use of said furniture being stained, hold off until you can deal with a mess for two weeks.
Another thing you need to know (AKA that I ignored): Wear gloves. The stain seeps through the sock and removing stain from your fingers isn’t fun or pretty ;)
Things you will need:
- Something to cover areas you do not want stained. I used blue plastic table clothes (I have a huge box of them)
- A sanding block
- GLOVES
- Tape (masking or painters)
- General Finishes Java Gel. Everything I read said this is the ONLY stain that works. I bought mine here.
- Screwdriver
- Men’s sock
- Satin poly coat (either order with the General Finishes stain of just any poly coat will do)
Step 2: Prep your area. Lay down your cloth/stain shield and tape areas that need to be taped (like walls, floor, under the counter top).
Step 3: Lightly sand the surface. No need to scrub. It took me all of 10 minutes to do this.
Step 4: Wear a glove under your sock! I didn’t read the tutorial very well and applied the first coat sans glove. I had to scrub a layer of skin off my hand. Also, if you’re like me and you start this project without a glove, then wrapping your hand in a plastic bag also works.
Step 5: Apply a thin coat of General Finishes Java Gel to the surface of your furniture. Wait at least 6 hours. BREATHE – it will look better. The first coat is always ugly. Apply another coat. Wait 12 hours.
Stay away from the liquor – it really will look better.
Step 6 – Wait a few days and then put the doors back on and admire your beautiful new, modern cabinets.
Final product!
Tips, Tricks & Other notes
- The Lysol Dual Action Wipes are AMAZING. They removed dripped stain seamlessly.
- Buy latex or rubber gloves (I can’t stress this enough)
- Painter’s tape refuses to stick to anything. Unless it’s wet paint/stain. Be careful.
- My cabinets are not real wood. From what I read this method doesn’t work on bare wood – so score for those of us with cheaply made furniture.
- Use a new sock (or a unstained part of the sock) for each coat, including the poly coat.
- Enjoy the beauty of your work!
That looks awesome. I stain all the time, but it's usually my dress shirts. With spaghetti. Your way is much better.
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