Staining: So Easy a Painter Can Do It
Remember my $4 vintage typewriter stand I told you about in this post? 
Well, it turned out to be the perfect candidate for my first try at staining. I’ve been better known as one of those people who paints over all that stained furniture, making some of you cringe. I’ve even gotten questions from readers about staining furniture, but I’ve never really been able to give any advice because I’d never done it. Well, I’m here to tell you that it really is easy & you know if I can do it, you can too.I started out by sanding the entire top down to remove the old finish & smooth out a few scratches. 
The wood grain looked so nice once the old finish was removed:
I followed the instructions on my Minwax Stain (Dark Walnut) & used a foam brush to apply it…
Also per the instructions, I used a cloth to wipe off any stain that did not soak in. 
And with just one coat, it was the perfect shade…
I let that dry overnight, then used another foam brush the next day to apply a coat of polyurethane. 
That gave it just enough protection without making it look too shiny & new. I decided to leave the rest of the stand as-is, and I think it’s right at home in our library, doing a great job of holding the printer–at least until the infamous bookshelves are built and then this little stand will be put to good use elsewhere.
If you’ve never attempted to stain, let this be an inspiration to you. If I can do it, so can you.Sharing this little project with a few of these inspirational people.
May 25, 2011 @ 1:21 am
Looks great!!!
May 25, 2011 @ 1:25 am
i don't think i ever would have though of staining it darker- it looks awesome! good call!
May 25, 2011 @ 1:58 am
I have stained two pieces in the last year, both of them dressers. I have to say, I like the staining better, especially if the wood is really pretty once you sand it. And it seems to be more forgiving. I love your transformation.
May 25, 2011 @ 2:12 am
That looks wonderful! I've always been intimidated by stain too, but you made it look easy!
May 25, 2011 @ 3:24 am
I have never stained either, but now I am going to give it a try!!
Carol
May 26, 2011 @ 1:09 am
Sweet!
May 26, 2011 @ 9:00 pm
coming over from somewhat simple… that turned out great! i don't like staining, but my BF is fantastic at it! you're very courageous!
May 27, 2011 @ 5:19 am
It's so pretty! It does have great grain. Thanks for the inspiration. I've been a little hesitant about using stain.
May 28, 2011 @ 4:36 am
Such a pretty little stand! I just discovered staining too and it is SO FUN! I love everything I've done so far. Now if I could just find the perfect little typewriter stand…
May 29, 2011 @ 3:51 am
Ah, I love it. The stand and the dark stain. Your office desk is lovely! So nice! I'm jealous. đŸ˜‰