The Way to Darken the Stain Color on a Pine Table
Pine might seem dull or unassuming without proper stain, but the natural beauty of its knots, streaks and swirls is nothing else. Stains which include solvents or fillers do not always bring out the natural characteristics of pine. Stain for pine should incorporate oil which penetrates deep to emphasize patterns and flaws. If you’ve got a pine table that’s not living up to your expectations, then treat it with the dignity it deserves by darkening the shade with natural oil stain. If your table has a clear end, remove it first to correctly darken the stain.
Sand the clear finish from the pine table using an orbital sander with 100-grit paper. Sand the top free of any shiny spots, altering the sandpaper as needed. Roll sandpaper into cylinders to mud across legs or parts by hand. Fold the seams into thirds to sand inside tight spots. Do not sand off the first stain.
Sand the table again by hand utilizing a hand-sanding block with 100-grit sandpaper. Sand with short strokes parallel with the grain. Sand smaller components as you did before with sandpaper rolled into cylinders or folded.
Dip a soft cloth into an open can of oil stain. Liberally apply the stain into the table, then wiping it on hefty till the table is moist. Allow the stain to stay on the table for 10 minutes or until it starts to dry. Then wipe off the stain using a dry cloth.
Repeat Step 3 if the table is not dark enough. Permit the table to dry for 72 hours.
Spray the table with one coat of clear finish. Permit the finish to dry, and sand the table utilizing 180-grit sandpaper. Finish by spraying the table with one or two layers of clear finish.