Category Archives: How-To Guides

Colored Wax for Furniture Cracks

Once upon a time, filling nail holes, mending cracks or removing scratches from your wood furniture was typically a time-consuming chore. Now you can handle these tasks in just a matter of minutes and for a very low cost with colored wax filler sticks. There is no need to strip the existing finish or sand the surface before making repairs with the sticks. Continue reading Colored Wax for Furniture Cracks

Sponges For Staining Furniture

Staining wood furniture is an art, and it is not an art form that is achieved the same way for each person. Many people argue whether sponges or bristled brushes are better for staining wood, and some people prefer brushes. However, sponges are often preferred by people who are beginners or those who want to make it easier to create an even finish. Sponges do not leave the same types of streaks that some brushes leave, and they can also be used to create an added marbled look to certain types of wood. In some cases, they provide a better overall finish. For example, pine wood soaks up stain quickly, so a sponge or foam brush will give it the most even look.

How To Pick The Right Sponge For Staining Wood

Although regular sponges are still used for staining wood, foam sponge brushes are the most common choice. These are sponges that are shaped and come in different sizes. The tips are usually tapered to a point. To choose the right type of sponge, think about the size of the wood surface. If it is long and wide, a bigger sponge is better. For pieces of wood with smaller surfaces or intricate details, a much smaller and more tapered sponge is better. Also, look at the surface of the sponge. For the most even results, the porous surface should have small openings. If they are spaced far apart, this can result in blotches. To create a more marbled look, some people may prefer handheld sponges.

Where To Find Sponges For Staining Wood

Sponges can be purchased in most home improvement stores. It may be harder to find the smaller sponges or foam brushes in these stores, so look in an art supply shop if necessary. Most major home improvement and art supply retailers sell these items online as well.

How Much Do Sponges Cost?

The cost of sponges will vary depending on their size and quality. Expect to spend anywhere between $1 and $20 depending on specifications. Online stores normally add shipping charges. A high-quality sponge can be reused for several projects if it is cleaned and cared for properly.

Cleaning Up And Maintaining Sponges

It is difficult to remove the stain from sponges, but they are cheap enough that most people buy new ones for each project. However, people who regularly stain furniture may choose to soak their sponges in turpentine or mineral spirits before rinsing them well with water. Sponges should be stored away from sunlight in a sealed bag if they will be reused. The bag will prevent dirt and other debris from collecting on them.

How to Properly Apply Wood Veneers

Wood veneering is the process of gluing thin pieces of wood to thicker, more solid pieces of wood, often called base wood or substrate. This base wood is usually made of particle board or plywood. Veneers are frequently made from expensive wood such as mahogany or maple. Veneers also give the appearance of expensive decorative wood but are less costly compared to crafting the furniture from solid pieces of lumber. Continue reading How to Properly Apply Wood Veneers

Best Brushes For Staining

The best brushes for staining furniture are those that work on multiple furniture projects. Brushes are the most versatile stain applicator. They’re used to apply clear, semi-transparent or semi-solid viscous stains. Brushes are used to apply solid color stains over previous coats of paint or solid stains. Brushes can be used to apply stains to raw new surfaces or those previously stains. Brushes allow for greater application control and offer deep penetration of stain into wood pores. Continue reading Best Brushes For Staining

refinishing hardwood floors without sanding

How to Refinish Hardwood Floors Without Sanding

Sanding is a common refinishing task that just isn’t very practical when refinishing hardwood floors. It’s tedious and will create a lot of dust. Fortunately, you can refinish hardwood floors without sanding by buffing or mopping first instead.

Method 1: Buffing

Step 1: Clean the floor thoroughly: Sweep and vacuum up all the dirt and make sure loose pieces of resin are peeled off. Once there are no loose particles or dirt anymore, use a wet cloth to wipe the floor and then let it dry. If the floor is covered with carpet, remove the carpet and use a scraper and a solvent to remove the glue and tacking strips. You can try using peanut butter to remove the glue, but Goo Gone® works better. Goo Gone® can damage your floors though, so only use a little bit and remember to test on a small area first! Continue reading How to Refinish Hardwood Floors Without Sanding

cutting laminate countertop

How to Cut Laminate Countertop

Laminate is a popular choice for countertops because it is simple, economical, durable, and easy to clean. It can be bought in two-foot intervals from 4 feet to 12 feet. Unlike other countertops, the top coat of laminate is thin so it easily chips off when cut. Although it may seem difficult, cutting laminate countertop is fairly easy when you know the right tools and strategies to use. Listed below are suggested steps to take when cutting laminate countertop. Continue reading How to Cut Laminate Countertop

tack cloth

How To Make A Tack Cloth

A tack rag or a tack cloth is used to clean the surface of wood furniture before refinishing. It works better than an ordinary rag because it has a sticky surface that allows it to pick up even the tiniest dust particles. Furthermore, unlike an ordinary rag, tack cloths do not leave any residue behind. They can be purchased at an affordable price or you can make your own. It is important to know how to make a tack cloth Continue reading How To Make A Tack Cloth

Varnishing Wood

How to Varnish Wood

Varnishing wood can produce beautiful and durable results when used correctly. It will not only make your furniture look more appealing, but also make it last longer. However, varnishing is not as easy as you may think. There are many considerations that you must take into account when you are varnishing wood. Continue reading How to Varnish Wood