How to apply a finish to unfinished furniture

Once you’ve chosen your piece of unfinished furniture, and taken it home, all that’s now required before it can be integrated into the home is to apply a finish. Apart from the mere fact that the general public are hesitant in applying finishes, they may also be confused as to what type of finish to apply, and how.

The concept of applying a finish to untreated wood is a fairly straight forward exercise, and really only comprises of a few fundamental things that need to be taken into consideration. After all, the objective is nothing more complicated than taking a can of your desired finish, be it paint, stain, or varnish, and transferring onto the chosen wooden surface.

To apply these various finishes there are only three basic methods that will help you get the desired finish.

1.Brushes
2. Rags
3. Spray Gun.

Each of these items are easy to use, and are quite within the realms of a do-it-yourself enthusiast, with a basic skill level. As with anything new, or doing something that one isn’t familiar with, always take your time, and work in a methodical process, and follow instructions.

There are four common types of brush that can be used to transfer stain, finish or paint from the can to the wood.

Natural bristle brushes are made from animal hair, and the best are made from Chinese hog hairs. These hairs are tapered and have split ends which means that the actual hair coming into contact with the wood surface are extremely thin. The thinner the hair that is in direct contact with the surface, the more level, and even the application will be. China-bristle-brushes are generally more expensive, but the end result merits the extra cost.

Synthetic bristle brushes are made from polyester and nylon. This type of brush became popular with the ever-increasing use of latex paint, because natural brushes lose their shape in water, and latex is water based. The better quality synthetic brush will also have split ends, and will perform almost as well as their natural counter part.

Whenever you use a water-based product, always use a synthetic brush. But either type can be used with a solvent-based product.

Sponge brushes are cheap and considered disposable. They can be used with all products except lacquer, which will dissolve them. Sponge brushes are great for allowing a finish to be evenly applied, but because there edges are cut square, they will leave a ridge on every application. This will be evident when dry. So for large areas such as tabletops, or cupboard sides, I would not advocate the use of this type of applicator. They are however extremely useful for mouldings and small intricate areas.

Paint pads are flat pieces of sponge with tiny fibers attached. The pads will then be held in a plastic holder with a handle. Again, these are adequate for most finishes except lacquer, because of the sponge.

Rags are an excellent choice, as long as you use a lint free type. Cotton is the best. This type of application originates from French polishing. These polishers would use a rag that was cut approximately 6” x 6”. They would then place a wad of material to the center. This would act as a reservoir for the stain, oil, or varnish. The wad could be something like cotton wool, or extra smaller pieces of cloth piled in the center of the main piece. The finish would then be poured onto the wad, and the ends of the larger piece of cotton would be gathered at the top, and would be gripped between your thumb and for finger. By way of a continual up and down motion, following the grain wipe the pad over the wooden surface. Re-fill the center wad when it becomes dry, and no more stain is apparent.

This can be further explained by way of the video below.

The use of a spray gun is by far the best way to apply a finish. No doubt about it. But for most of us, it is not always the option. Not everyone has access to spray equipment, and when one doesn’t participate in regular spraying, you really have no idea what it entails.

Spray equipment can be expensive, but over the years, a number of manufacturers have been able to introduce models that are easier, and more affordable for the budget conscious do-it-yourselfer.

Browse your local hardware store and you will find in the pain department electrical air systems with integrated hoppers for holding the paint. Go over to the tool department and you will see various sizes of air compressors fully able to handle the finishing of unfinished furniture. All that’s needed is a spray gun, and these aren’t that expensive.

Using spray equipment is no more difficult than using any other electrical tool you have. You just need to remember a few basic principals.

Spraying solvents etc is not recommended in the house, as the air will soon fill with vapors, and so spraying should only be attempted in a well-ventilated space. If you’re fortunate enough to have such an area, it should be free from dust, and any thing in proximity of the item being sprayed should be covered with a plastic sheet to protect it from over spray.

Practice with a scrap piece of wood, making sure the pressure gauge on the compressor is according to the manufacturers instructions. Using a free arm swing, about 6” from the surface, pull the trigger and allow the finish to be applied, in thin even coats. When done properly, your surface should be evenly covered, without any runs or uneven coats