How to Do an Espresso Finish on Furniture

Refinishing a piece of wood furniture with one of the finishing techniques so popular today can transform an old, worn-out item into a brand-new-looking piece of furniture. These techniques can also be used on new furniture to give it a totally different look.

There are many techniques and finishes that are easy to master--everything from glazing to antiquing to white washing. The finish you choose to apply depends on the look you're after. Once you decide on the finish you want, be sure to test it on a small area so that you can be sure it will turn out the way you anticipate. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Gently sand the wood with fine-grit sandpaper. This will enable the stain to penetrate by opening up the grain of the wood.

2

Spread a drop cloth onto the floor where you want to paint and place the piece of furniture in the middle of the drop cloth to protect the flooring beneath. Pry open the can of wood stain with the screwdriver, and stir the contents thoroughly to evenly distribute the pigments that may have settled.

3

Apply a generous amount of stain to one small section at a time with a foam brush or latex pad. Applying a generous amount of stain will ensure that the surface stays workable and won't dry too fast.

4

Wipe the excess stain with a soft cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain. Be sure to check for spots that you missed and overlap places before moving on to the next section. If you come across any overlap places, re-wet the surface with stain and wipe again with the cloth to even out the stained finish. After the piece of furniture has been completely stained, allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

5

Repeat the process until the desired color depth is reached, allowing the piece of furniture to dry between each coating of stain. Apply a top coat of your choice to protect the newly stained surface.