Whether you've made the furniture yourself, bought an old piece from the flea market or just need a new look for something you've had around for a while. Staining is an easy way to bring out the true beauty in the wood. With today's market you are no longer stuck with wood colors of Pine, Oak, or Cherry. There are greens, blues, yellows and more. So those with a creative spirit don't have to settle for paint anymore. They can bring out the beauty of the wood along with accenting the colors of the room.

In order to complete the process of staining furniture there are several items you will need. First and foremost you will need an open, well-ventilated area to work in. Next you need the stain you have chosen, a cloth, a brush and Polyurethane to finish it off. If the piece you wish to work on is currently painted then you will need paint remover. A breathing mask may be of some use to you, especially if you have allergies or a high sensitivity to chemical smells.

When deciding on the stain color keep in mind that there are three different types of stain. The older types are oil-based while the newer ones are water-based and will dry much quicker than the oil-based. The colored stains have a binder mixed in them and the drying time varies.

Strip off the old paint/stain. Be sure to get it all off so that the finish is even. Use the rag to dust off any remaining debris. You may want to use a damp one for this. Use a paintbrush or a clean cloth for the application of the stain. You should follow or paint in the direction of the wood grain. Use even and steady strokes when performing the application. If you want a lighter color then rub hard when applying it. In the opposite, rub easy if you want a darker colored stain. Let it dry for a minimum of 24 hours. To finish off the staining technique you must apply two layers of polyurethane. This will create a protective layer on the piece of furniture. This is especially important if you are staining a kitchen table or work station. It will create a waterproof barrier.

A couple of issues that may occur when staining are dimpling or white water rings. Dimpling is caused when the edges of the polyurethane are too thin and becomes contaminated, most likely with air. This can be fixed by simply putting several layers of polyurethane over that area. If you want a brand new, clean finish then strip it down with steel wool and reapply using thin coats of polyurethane or shellac. Be sure that each set dries completely before applying the new layer.

White water rings normally occur from heat or water. This clouds the staining finish on the wood surface. Dark rings mean you will have to refinish the area and possibly the whole piece. Lighter rings can be worked out by using a cotton cloth and a few household items. Start by using spirits of camphor. If that doesn't work then move on to a mild hand soap or toothpaste. Remember to wipe with the wood grain.