Refinishing an old nightstand
by
Beth
+2
I want to match the stain on the rest of the piece without scratches and water stains that have ruined the top. It's oak, and 50 years old.
4 answers
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So, in a nutshell, the top is scratched and water stained, but the rest of the nightstand is OK? There is a general rule that when trying to match colors (or stains) the best practice is to refinish a complete panel up to any break lines. This will reduce any apparent color or shade differences as there is a definite separation. You have the advantage that the top is both separated and at a different angle than the sides. If it has a lacquer / varnish finish, you might try a product like Formby's Furniture Refinisher or Formby's Furniture Facelift. These basically dissolve the old finish and lay it back down smoothly. I've seen it work well in some cases and not so well in others, depending on the finish. The worst that can happen is you end up having to remove the finish totally and cover with a new stain and varnish. Check YouTube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Lma3n6bNU ... or ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSa_6lR1QHQ ... Hope this helps. Phil7782
Phil a
on Oct 31, 2016
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First you will have to sand the top down to raw wood before you stain or you will not be able to match the color. ***** The first is to realize that you should not apply any stain to your wood until you have tested it on either scraps of the same wood or in an inconspicuous spot, such as the underside of an unfinished chair seat or portion of flooring which will be covered by the piano. For it to be effective, the test has to take place on the identical -- not just similar -- piece of wood. ***** When selecting a color of Minwax® stain for your project, bear in mind that the color samples printed on the can or in one of our brochures, or shown in the online stain guide can only be an approximation of the color your board will be. While the photography utilized in reproducing the colors of our stains is of the highest possible quality, wood remains unpredictable. For that reason, I recommend buying two or three of the smallest cans available of the color tones which you are wanting to achieve. Once you determine which stain -- or combination of stains -- provides you with the color you want on your particular board, you can, if necessary, return to the store and buy it in a larger container.And speaking of mixing stains, keep in mind that even though Minwax® offers an array of both oil-based and water-based colors, you may find that the perfect color for your project is a blend of two or more colors which you custom mix. You only need to follow three rules: first, never mix oil-based stains with water-based stains; second; measure your ingredients precisely using plastic measuring spoons or cups; and, finally, write down your exact formula so that you can duplicate it the following day or year. ***** The final color of the board will also be affected by how long you allow the stain to be absorbed by the pores before you wipe off the excess liquid. When you are testing your stain, time various samples and compare the color of that left on for one minute versus that left on for three or five minutes. ***** One other factor to consider when matching stains is the light under which you are working. Bear in mind that a color viewed under three common yet different lighting conditions, namely natural sunlight, incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes, can have three different color tones. The difference may not be immediately obvious, but two colors which seem to match under a florescent light in your workshop may not actually match when brought into your dining room. The rule of thumb is simple: apply your stain under the same lighting conditions as the room where the piece will be. ***** Every little bit helps... With some of these tips, the differences in color may be subtle. But when it comes to matching stains, subtle differences can mean the difference between a success matching and one which leaves everyone disappointed. Learning about the qualities of wood, meticulous staining experimentation and some creativity are the keys to success.
William
on Oct 31, 2016
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If you have not tried it yet , I would sand with 220 grit sand paper lightly and with with an oil finish like Scott's liquid gold or wipe on poly finish befor edoing a total refinish.
David W. Shull
on Oct 31, 2016
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"general finishes" gel stain is the best ever! watch some youtube videos.
Rai2755762
on Nov 02, 2016
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