How to Apply Satin Finish on Maple

Maple is a hardwood favored for its hardness, light color and clear grain. It is found all over the home as floors, furniture and woodwork. In recent decades, maple has become especially popular as a kitchen cabinet material. As hard as it is, maple still benefits from the application of a durable finish. If you fancy a satin finish on your maple, you'll find that it's a simple weekend project.

220-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Small paint bucket
All-purpose synthetic paintbrush
Oil-based satin polyurethane
Mineral spirits

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a new maple surface by sanding with 150-grit sandpaper, stroking gently with the grain of the wood. Remove dust by vacuuming or wiping with a tack cloth.
- 2
  Working from a small bucket, load your brush with polyurethane, wiping excess liquid from the brush onto the inside of the bucket. Apply the finish in long strokes with the grain. If you miss a spot or see thin sections, don't touch up. You'll leave brush marks behind.
- 3
  Allow to dry overnight. Sand with 220-grit sandpaper to remove imbedded dust. Remove the dust as before.
- 4
  Apply a second and third coat, as necessary, sanding between coats, but not after the last.

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