Finishing Naked Furniture
If you have furniture that needs finishing it should be done as soon as possible in order to avoid damaging the wood; naked furniture is just wood furniture that has not been stained and coated with polyurethane. In order to finish naked furniture you need to go through the process of sanding, staining if desired, and finishing. This process can be fast and easy if you know what you are doing and have the right tools and materials.
First you will need to accumulate or purchase the proper materials for the process. You will need sand paper, a stain color of your choice is optional, foam brushes, rags, paint trays, polyurethane and drop clothes. Once you have these materials begin by going over any rough areas of the wood with sand paper. Your furniture may already be sanded, but if not sand it until smooth for a proper finish. Next, clean off any dust with a damp rag. IF you choose to stain your furniture a color, place it on a drop cloth, stir the stain well and pour some into a paint tray. Use foam brushes to evenly apply the stain to your furniture, and then use a clean rag to wipe off any excess stain. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
The next step is to apply the polyurethane finish. Stir your finish well, pour it into a paint tray and place your furniture on a drop cloth. Apply the finish with a foam brush, not a paint brush as this leaves lines from the bristles. Start at the top of the furniture and work your way down so that you can wipe off any drips before they dry and are permanent. Apply the finish slowly and evenly for consistency and a thorough application over the entire piece. Let it dry for at least twent four hours, and do not place any items on or sit on the newly finished furniture for at least seven days.
