Do-it-yourself Finishing Guide
1. Surface Preparation
Take apart anything that comes apart easily (knobs, handles). All surfaces should be clean and free from
all dirt and oils.
Lightly sand surfaces. Pine use #180 grit, all other woods use #120-#180 grit
sand paper. Be sure to sand with the grain. Remove all the dust by wiping with a
lint-free cloth or tack cloths.
2. Staining
Shake or stir the stain thoroughly before you start and test it on a hidden
area to make sure that this is the color you want. Stains can be applied using a
staining pad, a lint-free cloth or foam brush. Wipe or brush on stain in the
direction of the grain with a circular motion. Then remove excess stain by wiping
off in the direction of the grain. It is important to wipe
off the stain thoroughly and consistently to get
an evenly stained surface. A second coat, applied after the first one is dry,
will give you a darker and deeper color. No more than three coats are
recommended. Stain will dry in 4-6 hours. If a stain coat is dry, you should be
able to wipe your hand across the surface without feeling any tackiness.
4. Applying Top Coats
Shake or stir the can to ensure that the contents are will mixed. Apply the
top coat with a lint-free cloth or foam brush moving with the direction of
the grain. For large surfaces, apply coats as quickly as possible, evening out
surface with long, smooth strokes. (If using Mastercraft's Poly Gel
wipe off excess with clean soft cloth, in the direction of the grain.) Buff
between top coats with '0000' steel wool or #600 grit sandpaper to produce a
smooth surface. Wipe with a lint-free cloth or tack cloths. Apply 2-4 coats,
adding additional coats if desired. If your top coat is dry, sanding will
produce a white powder. Provide good ventilation and air movement with a fan
to greatly improve drying time.
5. Maintenance and Care
To maintain the finish use Orange Oil, Lemon Oil, or Crème Polish or just a
damp cloth. Paste wax is not recommended because it builds up and yellows,
thus becoming a maintenance problem.
