Directions to Stain a Table

Place newspapers on the floor of a well-ventilated work area. Put your table on top of the newspapers.

Remove any existing varnish or paint from the table by sanding it with 120-grit sandpaper. Move the sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain. Use a sanding block for the flat surfaces, and hold the sandpaper with your hand for uneven surfaces.

Sand the table with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface, moving the sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain.

Vacuum the sanding dust off the table. Run your hand over the table to check for smoothness. The wood should feel silky smooth. If the wood still feels rough, repeat the sanding process with the 220-grit sandpaper until it feels smooth.

Put on rubber gloves and wipe down the table with a rag dampened with mineral spirits.

Apply a wood sealer if your table is made of pine, fir or poplar wood. A wood sealer will keep these wood types from absorbing the stain unevenly. Follow the wood sealer's directions for application and drying time.

Remove the lid of the stain and stir the stain with a paint stirrer until it is completely mixed. Using a foam brush, apply a small amount of stain to an inconspicuous area of the table.

Wait for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how dark you want the color. Wipe off the excess stain and check the color. When you are satisfied with the results of the color test, you can stain the rest of the table. Make note of how long you allowed the stain to sit before wiping.

Apply the wood stain with the foam brush, working quickly and in the direction of the wood grain. Paint a smooth, even coat of stain over the entire table.

Wipe off the excess stain, using a clean rag, at the time determined by your color test. Wipe across the grain to work the stain into the wood.

Finish wiping off the excess stain by using long strokes in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the wood stain to dry for the amount of time recommended by the wood stain's directions, typically four hours.

Protect the finish by applying a coat of polyurethane or varnish to the table, using a 3-inch pure China bristle brush. You can also seal the wood with a wood paste wax, using a rag to apply the wax and then buffing it with a clean cloth to a satin shine. When using a polyurethane finish, varnish or paste wax, follow the manufacturer's directions for proper application and finishing techniques.