Thursday 6 November 2014

Make Oak Finishes Pop

Oak is a hardwood that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.


Oak wood is a hard wood that contains extensive natural details. The wood is extremely grainy, which creates an attractive appearance once the wood is stained and finished. Many finishes and stains make oak wood stand out among any other wood. The process of enhancing oak requires all the same steps as finishing any other type of wood, however the procedure must be orchestrated correctly to see an attractive finish.


Instructions


1. Treat the oak with a wood conditioner before you stain the wood. Wood conditioners are specialized chemical blends that you apply using a cloth, and leave on the wood to stain. This product creates an even surface, which allows stain to create an even coating on the wood without leaving build up or blotches.


2. Stain the oak wood with a deep colored stain. Mahogany or a red stain soaks into the grain of the wood thoroughly, allowing for emphasis on all characteristics of the wood.


3. Apply stain to oak furniture in a circular motion with a stain cloth. Leave stain on for the maximum time, typically fifteen minutes, before wiping it off. Apply a second coat to create a darker and more attractive appearance.


4. Finish the oak with a high gloss polyurethane. Polyurethane is a protective glaze that covers stained wood. Using a high-gloss polyurethane will capture light and create a glowing appearance.


5. Apply a wood polish to the wood once a month. Wood polish acts as an additional protective coat for the oak and creates an attractive shine in addition to polyurethane. A wood polish maintains a wood finish and keeps dirt and dust from building up on the surface.

Tags: attractive appearance, creates attractive, wood polish