This wood product has not been coated with
any type of clear sealer or finish.
1. Assembly Instructions may contain special finishing information for that item. Read both the As-
sembly Instructions and these Finishing Hints completely before beginning.
2. Sand the entire piece, using #220 grit sandpaper. Sand with the grain of the wood on flat surfaces and
opposite the grain on turnings. End grain (table top ends, seat edges, grooves on turnings, etc.) ac-
cepts more stain. Extra sanding in these areas with a #320 grit sandpaper will reduce stain absorption,
creating a more evenly stained piece.
3. When sanding is completed, wipe the surface of your furniture with a cloth or tack rag. Make sure the
item is free of dust before proceeding.
4. For most products, we recommend preparing and staining the wood prior to assembly. Due to the
assembly procedures for chairs, rockers and stools, we recommend assembling these items prior to
finishing.
5. If you do choose to finish chairs, rockers or stools prior to assembly, it is imperative that you protect
the ends of dowels and spindles, and the mortise holes where the wood is joined, from finishing prod-
ucts. Use masking tape around the ends, being careful to cover only the section that will be inserted
(remove the tape after the finish has dried and before the furniture is assembled). Wood glue will not
bond if finishing products are present. If you do get finishing product in these areas, it must be removed
to ensure proper bonding.
6. If glue is used in assembly of your furniture, remove any excess glue spots or drips before finishing.
Wood surfaces with glue WILL NOT accept stains, and will leave a light spot. To remove glue, wipe off
as much as possible while wet, then lightly sand the surface until the remaining glue is removed.
BASIC
EQUIPMENT:
Rubber gloves
Rags
Paper towels
Q-tips
Tack cloth
Drop cloth
Paint brushes
(bristle and
foam)
#220 & #320
sandpaper
Mineral spirits
GETTING STARTED:
1. Choose a finish that will meet your expectations for the product
you are finishing. Are you matching existing furniture or do you
want a “natural” finish? Is the piece to be functional, decorative
or both? The answers to these questions may affect the type
of finish you choose.
2. Use products of the same brand to ensure compatibility of
products.
3. ALWAYS follow the stain manufacturer’s instructions. Parawood
is a porous hardwood and often looks best when following the
finishing directions for softwoods.
4. We recommend using a wood conditioner under oil base
stains.
5. Work in a well ventilated and well lit area.
CHOOSING THE FINISH:
STAINING:
1. All surfaces (including the underside of table tops and inside
drawers) must be sealed with a top coat. This will help minimize
wood swelling and shrinkage due to changes in moisture
content or temperature.
2. Always read and follow all label directions. Stir your finish
coat gently, do not shake. It will create bubbles that are hard
to remove.
3. We recommend that you apply a minimum of two coats when
using polyurethane or varnish. Sand lightly between coats
APPLYING THE TOP COAT:
using a #320 grit sandpaper or 00 steel wool for the smoothest
possible finish.
4. Some water-based finishes tend to raise the grain slightly. This
can be easily controlled with this sanding step. However, do
not use steel wool when using water-based finishes. Strands
of steel fiber caught in the wood can cause rust spots when
coated with any water-based product.
5. No top coat is required for paint.
1. Read and follow label directions. Stir stain well before
starting.
2. Test stain on an inconspicuous spot on your project.
3. Apply stain with a poly brush or lint-free cloth. Apply stain
over a small area and wipe off excess.
Working in small areas will make the color easier to control.
4. Q-tips are ideal for hard-to-get areas.
5. Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
PAINTING:
1. For best results when painting, first coat the wood with a primer.
An oil based primer would be best for a smooth finish. If you do
not wish to use a solvent based primer, a water based primer
would work almost as well.
2. Buy a quality brand paint. You may use a satin, semi-gloss, or
gloss sheen. Apply a second coat for a smooth finish. Lightly
sand between coats using a #320 grit sandpaper, so that the
second coat will bond well. Repeat as desired.
3. Since there is such a variation between paint manufacturers,
refer to your paint supplier for specific advice on using the paint
that you purchase.
