How to Finish an Oak Desk

Oak is one of the easiest woods to finish, because it accepts color like a thirsty sponge. Its wide, open grain makes painting difficult unless you use a grain filler, and water-based stains sometimes get absorbed so well they are barely noticeable. Oil-based stains are beautiful, but unforgiving if you are a beginner. Wax stains are perfect for staining oak desks because they moisturize, color and seal the wood in one step, while not obscuring the texture of the grain. Stain oak in dry weather, and in a well-ventilated area, and you can turn an unfinished oak desk into an heirloom in no time.

400-grit sandpaper
Clean shop cloths
Drop cloths
Staining sponges
Wax stain (such as BriWax)
Optional:
1/4-inch glass cut to fit the desktop

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the drawers and take off any hardware. Sand all surfaces with 400-grit sandpaper, and wipe the whole thing down with clean shop cloths.
- 2
  Dip your staining sponge in the wax stain and wipe it onto the desk, working with the grain of the wood. Oak has a deep grain, so working against it will trap globs of wax. Coat the entire surface area of the desk, working slowly to keep the stain even.
- 3
  Repeat step 2 on the drawers, using a cut-up staining sponge and cotton swabs to get into any really small nooks and crevices.
- 4
  Let the stain cure overnight and then apply a second coat if you want a deeper color. Use a clean sponge; that's why they are disposable.
- 5
  Set a custom-cut glass top on cork "feet" on top of your desk (optionsl) to further protect the finish, while letting the beauty of the wood shine through.

How to Install a Drawer Lock

Types of Writing Desks

Desks