How to Turn Light Wood Furniture into a Dark Wood Furniture

Preparation:

First, you'll need to prepare the wood for staining. Take the item you will be staining to the well ventilated area. Using the orbital sander and the 80 grit sandpaper remove all paint and/ or varnish. (note: be sure to wear your safety glasses)

Use the tack cloth to clean the wood of the remaining standing dust.

Check your item for smoothness.

If there are rough patches, use the sanding block to smooth it out. (note: be sure to sand with the wood grain for best results)

Use the tack cloth to clean the wood of the remaining standing dust.

Clear the area of the sander and any dust that is on the ground.

Staining:

Lay down your drop cloth or newspapers and place your item on top. (note: you should have an extra three feet of drop cloth on each side of the item - "splash zone")

Shake the can of stain well. You should shake the can for at least three minutes both up-down and left-right. (note: be sure you have enough stain because you don't want to run out before the job is done)

Set the can on the drop cloth (in the "splash zone") and use the paint can opener to open it. (note: pry it open slowly, moving around the can until the lid pops open)

Place the lid out of the way, so you don't step on it.

Use the paint stirrer stick - concentrate on the inside of the can. Wipe the paint stirrer on the inside lip of the can and place with the lid.

Using the appropriate sized paintbrush, dip the tip of the paintbrush 1/2" into the can, and dab both side of the paintbrush on the inside lip of the can.

Spread the stain onto the wood. Work with the grain of the wood in long strokes. (note: be sure to do a light and even coat.)

For hard to reach areas use a clean rag.

When the first layer is complete, wait one hour before applying another coat. (note: be sure to place the lid back on the paint can when it is not in use)

If you want the stain to be darker, repeat the process above. If not, continue to the next step.

Clean-up:

Secure the lid of the paint can. Clean the brush(es).

Always check the container for the manufacturer's guidance on what solvent or thinner to use.

Dip the brush (bristles only) into the first container of thinner. Twirl or spin the brush vigorously. Remove the brush from the container. (note: run the both sides of the bristles along the inside lip of the container)

Spin the brush in an empty container to remove excess thinner.

Secure the lid of the paint can. Clean the brush(es).

Always check the container for the manufacturer's guidance on what solvent or thinner to use.

Dip the brush (bristles only) into the second container of thinner. Twirl or spin the brush vigorously. Remove the brush from the container. (note: run the both sides of the bristles along the inside lip of the container)

Spin the brush in an empty container to remove excess thinner.

(note: Important! Never strike the edge of the brush against anything. Striking the brush can damage it and cause bristles to fall out on the next use.

Clean the solvent from the brush with warm water and soap. Rinse the brush thoroughly with warm water.

Pat the paintbrush dry with a paper towel.

(note: be sure to responsibly dispose of all cleaning solvents)

Dry time:

Let the item dry overnight. Be sure not to touch the item while it is drying.

The next day, check the item in a hard to see spot for tackiness. If it is still tacky, let it dry longer. (note: in cooler climates it will take longer to dry)

Give it the extra shine:

Using the orbital sander and the 220 sandpaper very gently sand the stain.

Clean with the tack cloth.