How can I stain this raw wood shelf to achieve a darker look without sanding it, especially considering I’m 36 weeks pregnant and looking for a low-effort solution?
Asked by Shaurya Shah 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 29, 2024
Hey there! We picked up this raw piece of wood to turn into a shelf, and I was thinking of staining it to give it a darker look while keeping that natural wood vibe. What’s the best way to go about staining it? Do I need to sand it down first? I’m pretty far along in my pregnancy, so the less intense the process, the better. Haha.
I always lightly sand using fine grit sandpaper to smoothen out any flaws! After that, I simply use a cloth dipped in the stain. Some stains require a wipe-on, wipe-off method while others may have different instructions. It’s always a good idea to refer to the can for the manufacturer’s recommendations 😊
Also, remember to wear gloves while staining.
You don’t necessarily need to sand before using stain. However, giving it a quick once-over with fine sandpaper (180 or higher) is a good practice. If you apply the stain with a cloth, be cautious not to encounter any unexpected snags. It’s best to do the staining in the garage to avoid exposing anyone to the fumes.
Thanks a lot, guys! 🙂
You don’t really need to sand, just make sure to stir your stain well since it may settle and have a thicker layer at the bottom of the can. My preferred method of applying stain is using an old sock or rag, dipping the corner into the can, and then applying it to achieve the desired tone. Good luck! Make sure you have good ventilation as the smell can be strong.
If you like the color, all you need is a clear coat. It will darken it slightly. An oil-based clear coat will darken it even more. Water-based or oil both work well. Minwax has a twist-off top that you can shake. It’s thinner, so it requires more coats, but I really like that product. For my last project, I was in a hurry and decided to buy Watco brand clear coat. It’s oil-based like Minwax but has a darker tint and is thicker. When sanding, use a maximum of 150 to 220 grit. Otherwise, you’ll polish the wood and it will be hard to take stain, though it won’t affect the clear coat. No need for 320 grit. Even if you’re hand sanding quickly, always go with the grain. Be gentle on the edges to maintain an even profile. Remove any dust before applying the clear coat.
‘t forget to wear a mask while working… the fumes could make you feel ill, especially considering you’re pregnant.
If you skip the sanding step, you might notice milling marks, giving it a corduroy-like appearance (though not as deep), which will stand out more once you apply the stain or clear coat. To get a sneak peek, you could try wiping some paint thinner on the wood. Alternatively, you could test the stain or clear coat on a less visible section of the surface.
Thank you all so much! My husband ended up taking care of the staining so I didn’t have to. ❤️ On one side he skipped sanding, while on the other he did sand. The sanded side turned out much better and feels smoother.