One advantage to buying wood furniture is the quality craftsmanship. Wood furniture
is typically strong and durable, and looks great in any room. When you
bring home an unpainted piece for your living room, bedroom, or kitchen,
you have the option of leaving it untouched to achieve a rustic look,
or you can stain it any color to match your decor. If you decide you
want to add some color to your new acquisition, you can either inquire
about staining options through the furniture store or do it yourself. Which color, however, is best for the piece you own?
Depending on the type of furniture you have purchased, you could
be looking at an arduous task. If you've bought a bedframe or a chest of
drawers, that's a lot of wood to cover, and you may consider
paying the extra charge to have a professional do the job for you. For
something like a night stand or small table, however, you have more
choices. Definitely you should first examine the furniture in the room and see how it goes with the rest of the furnishings and colors.
With a new piece, you should confer with the vendor or manufacturer to
see if anything needs to be done to it before you stain. If it isn't
necessary to strip the piece (this is usually reserved for wooden pieces that have already been painted), you can research stains and find the right color for you.
Some guidelines when choosing a stain for your tables, chairs, or wooden shelves:
Look for a product that contains a polyurethane gel. This is a stain
and sealer combination, and is good if you want to get the job done as
soon as possible.
The right stain should not show lap marks when brushed on the wood. Lap marks resemble seams, and may appear when a wet layer of paint is brushed over a dried layer.
Look for a stain that is water resistant, especially if you are staining patio furniture.
A non-drip formula is also highly recommended, as it will help the stain not to bubble in places.
You will want to consult with a professional at a home improvement or
paint store to find a good brand that will not fade or chip over time. A
good stain will typically dry completely in about six hours, allowing
you to enjoy your new furniture. When you choose the right color, you can improve your home's look and overall comfort.
