FINISHING HINTS
This wood product has not been coated with
any type of clear sealer or finish.
1. Assembly Instructions may contain special finishing information for that item.
Completely read both the Assembly Instructions and Finishing Hints before beginning your project.
2.
Sand the entire piece using #220 grit sandpaper. Sand with the grain of the wood on flat surfaces and
opposite the grain on turnings. End grain (table top ends, seat edges, grooves on turnings, etc.)
accepts more stain. Extra sanding in these areas with #320 grit sandpaper will reduce stain absorption
and create a more evenly stained piece.
3.
When sanding is completed, wipe the surface of your furniture with a cloth or tack rag. Make sure the
item is free of dust before proceeding.
4.
Due to the assembly procedures for chairs, rockers and stools, we recommend finishing the unit
AFTER you assemble the procuct.
5.
If you choose to finish your chairs, rockers or stools prior to assembly, it is
imperative
that you keep
the finishing product off of the ends of dowels, spindles and the mortise holes where the wood is joined.
To do that, place masking tape around the ends, being careful to cover only the section that will be
inserted. (Remove the tape after the finish has dried and before the furniture is assembled.) Wood glue
will not bond
if finishing products are present. If you do get finishing product in these areas, it must be
removed to ensure proper bonding.
6.
If glue is used in the assembly of your furniture, remove any excess glue spots or drips before finishing.
Wood surfaces with glue
WILL NOT
accept stains and will leave a light spot. To remove glue,
wipe off as much as possible while it is wet and then lightly sand the surface until the remaining
glue is removed.
BASIC
EQUIPMENT:
Rubber gloves
Rags
Paper towels
Q-tips
Tack cloth
Drop cloth
Paint brushes
(bristle and foam)
#220 & #320
sandpaper
Mineral spirits
GETTING STARTED:
1.
Choose a finish that will meet your expectations for the product
you are finishing. Are you matching existing furniture or do you
want a “natural” finish? Is the piece to be functional, decorative
or both? The answers to these questions may affect the type of
finish you choose.
2.
Use products of the same brand to ensure compatibility of
products.
3. ALWAYS
follow the stain manufacturer’s instructions. Parawood
is a porous hardwood and often looks best when following the
finishing directions for softwoods.
4.
We recommend using a wood conditioner under oil base stains.
5.
Work in a well-ventilated and well-lit area.
CHOOSING THE FINISH:
STAINING:
1. All surfaces
(including the underside of table tops and the insides
of drawers)
must be sealed with a top coat.
This will help
minimize wood swelling and shrinkage due to changes in
moisture content or temperature.
2. Always read and follow all label directions.
Stir your finish coat
gently.
Do not shake the can.
If you do, it will create bubbles
that are difficult to remove.
3.
We recommend that you
apply a minimum of two coats when
using polyurethane or varnish.
Sand lightly between coats
APPLYING THE TOP COAT:
using #320 grit sandpaper or 00 steel wool for the smoothest
possible finish.
4.
Some water-based finishes tend to slightly raise the grain. You
can easily controll that by sanding. However, do not use steel
steel wool when you use water-based finishes. Strands of
steel fiber caught in the wood can cause rust spots when coated
with any water-based product.
5.
No top coat is required for paint.
PAINTING:
1.
For best results when painting, first coat the wood with a primer.
An oil-based primer is best for a smooth finish. If you do
not wish to use a solvent-based primer, a water-based primer
works almost as well.
2
. Buy a quality brand paint. You may use a satin, semi-gloss or
gloss sheen. Apply a second coat for a smooth finish. Lightly
sand between coats using #320 grit sandpaper so the
second coat will bond well. Repeat as desired.
3.
Since there is such a wide variation between paint manufacturers,
refer to your paint supplier for specific advice on using the paint
you purchase.
1.
Read and follow label directions. Stir stain well before starting.
2.
Test stain on an inconspicuous spot on your project.
3.
Apply stain with a poly brush or lint-free cloth. Apply stain
over a small area and wipe off excess.
Work in small areas to control the color more easily.
4.
Q-tips are ideal for hard-to-get areas.
5.
6.
Allow the stain to dry
thoroughly
before proceeding.