Basic Wood Finishing: How to Sand, Stain, and Varnish

Ever looked at a beautiful piece of wood furniture and wondered how to get that professional finish? The secret isn't magic—it's mastering three simple steps: sanding, staining, and varnishing. Whether you're refinishing an old table or building something new, understanding these basics will help you create stunning results that protect your wood for years to come.

The Foundation: Proper Sanding

Think of sanding as the foundation of your entire project—get this right, and everything else falls into place. Always sand with the grain of the wood to avoid visible scratches that will show through your final finish.

• Start with the right tools: Use a palm sander for large flat surfaces and detail sanders or hand sanding for smaller areas
• Work through the grits systematically: Begin with 120-grit for imperfections, then move through 150, 180, and finer grits
• Clean thoroughly: Use a tack cloth or compressed air to remove all dust before moving to the next step

Adding Colour with Staining

Staining is where you can really make the wood's natural beauty shine through. But before you dive in, there's one crucial step that many DIYers skip.

• Always test first: Try your stain on a sample board to check the colour and verify your sanding technique
• Choose your application method: Brushes work stain deep into the grain, rollers cover large areas quickly, and sprayers are fastest for big projects
• Back brushing is key: After applying stain, brush over it again to ensure even coverage and work the product deep into the wood

Protecting Your Work with Varnish

The final protective coat is what turns your beautiful wood into a durable surface that can handle daily use. For beginners, there are two excellent options.

• Oil-based polyurethane: Perfect for surfaces that get heavy wear like tabletops and floors
• Wiping varnish: Creates a thinner, more flawless appearance and is easier for beginners to apply
• Application tips: Use a bristle or foam brush, work with the grain, and lightly brush over any bubbles that appear

The Finishing Touches

Great finishes come from patience and attention to detail between coats.

• Multiple coats are essential: Allow each coat to dry completely (usually overnight) before applying the next
• Light sanding between coats: Use 280-320 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove imperfections
• Final cleanup: After the last coat dries, wipe down the surface and consider adding wax for extra protection

Your Takeaway

Wood finishing doesn't have to be intimidating. By following these systematic steps—proper sanding, careful staining, and protective varnishing—you can achieve professional-quality results that make your DIY projects look like they were done by a pro. Remember that good preparation is 80% of the battle, so take your time with the sanding stage, and the rest will fall into place beautifully.