How do I stain red oak dressers?

Kaici Hix
by Kaici Hix



  4 answers
  • Gathered In The Kitchen Gathered In The Kitchen on Mar 21, 2019

    Is the dresser already finished with a stain or paint?

    if it is you need to sand it to bare wood. Otherwise there’s a product by Minwax called PolyShades that may be able to go over the current stain of the new color is darker (just beware that this will change the color outcome).


    good luck!

  • Joy Elizabeth Joy Elizabeth on Mar 21, 2019

    If I am staining over finished wood, I use general finishes gel stain. One can lasts forever, and it works amazing!


    Here is a piece of furniture where I used it. :)


    https://joyfullytreasured.com/thrift-store-furniture-makeover



  • William William on Mar 21, 2019

    You can stain over stain using gel stain. You can go darker but not lighter. Any good gel stain will work. Minwax has instructions.


    https://www.minwax.com/how-to-finish-wood/change-stain-color-with-polyshades/

  • Natalie Natalie on Mar 25, 2019

    If you want to deepen the color you can use General Finishes Gel Stain over the stained finish. Just lightly scuff sand with 400 grit sandpaper. Then wipe on the gel stain, let it sit for about 15-20 seconds and then wipe it back with a clean rag in even straight strokes. Or you can brush it on lightly in straight even strokes and leave it to dry for a thicker deeper finish. Multiple coats may be necessary depending on the finish you are looking for.