How to Pickle an Oak Finish

Wipe down the oak that is going to be pickled with a damp sponge and allow the area to dry. This helps raise the wood fibers from the surface. Lightly sand the surface with 120- to-150-grit sandpaper. Wipe off any sanding dust with a tack cloth.

Decide on a pickling technique. Commercial stains for pickling can be purchased. Pickling can also be done by reducing the concentration in white latex or oil-based paint (primer works best). For oil-based paints, mix 1 cup of paint thinner or 1 cup of gum turpentine with 3 cups of white paint. For water-based paint, use water instead of paint thinner or gum turpentine.

Stain the wood evenly with the commercial pickling stain or paint mixture, using a paintbrush. Brush in the same direction as the wood grain. Wear latex gloves to keep the stain from soaking into unprotected hands. Allow the pickling mixture to sit for five to 10 minutes; humidity and temperature affect the drying time. Do not let the pickling dry. Wipe off any excess pickling with a dry cloth.

Apply additional coats of pickling until the desired level of coverage is achieved. Allow the pickling to completely dry. Sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any raised wood fibers that can occur during the pickling process. Use a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.

Apply the first finish coat with a clean brush, always following the wood grain. Apply at least two coats of finish, lightly sanding in between each finish with 00 steel wool; this grade of steel wool is commonly used for wood finishing and can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.