How to Apply Cherry Color to Furniture

Natural cherry is an expensive, elegant hardwood, often used in fine furniture, flooring and cabinetry. If you want its warm, reddish tones but don't have the budget, staining furniture a cherry color is the next best thing. Take the original color and type of wood into account before staining. Most types of wood can be stained to look like cherry, according to Belmont Abbey College, with the exception of ash, which looks best with its natural, white-gold finish.

Medium-grit sandpaper
Fine-grit sandpaper
Soft cloth
Mineral spirits
Cheesecloth
Oil pigmented stain

Instructions

- 1
  Spread a tarp over the work surface to protect floors, carpets and furniture from drips. Open windows and turn on fans to keep air circulating.
- 2
  Sand the wood surface with medium-grit sandpaper, working with the wood grain. Wipe down with a damp paper towel, and allow the surface to dry. If you're starting with bare wood, this step is not necessary.
- 3
  Sand again with fine-grit sandpaper to finish removing the top layer of old stain or polyurethane. Wipe down the surface with a soft cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Allow the surface to dry.
- 4
  Shake the stain thoroughly to mix it well and open the can. Put on gloves to keep stain off your skin. Dip the cheesecloth in the stain, then wipe it on the surface, working with the grain. Move quickly, to prevent streaks in the finish, until the entire surface is uniformly covered.
- 5
  Allow the surface to dry for four to six hours. Examine the surface. The lighter the tones of the original wood, the more coats of cherry stain you will need to apply. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 until you are satisfied with the color.

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