After removing the finish from a table or other piece of furniture, sand and clean it with mineral spirits or a wash to remove the paint.
Mineral spirits will remove dirt, grease, and fingerprints and help reveal blemishes in the wood. Do not put metal on wood while cleaning it; It could react with the chemicals in the wood and cause discoloration.
When the mineral spirits dry, start staining the furniture. Use fine grade steel wool to brush the stain into the wood. Brush the stain in a zigzag pattern to avoid brush marks that show where the stain was applied.
Wipe the stain off the wood within a minute or two after applying it so the stain penetrates evenly. A helper following with a buffing rag as you apply the stain can be helpful. If you stain the table legs, clean the stain immediately after applying it; The legs can absorb the stain very quickly.
Let the stain dry for 24 hours before applying a finish. There are a variety of different finishes, including polyurethane and tung oil. Rub the finish into the grain of the wood and allow it to dry properly between coats.
