How to Finish Cherry Wood Furniture
- 1). Sand the wood with 80-grit sandpaper, and then wipe it down with a dry rag to remove the dust.
- 2). Sand the wood with 120-grit sandpaper, and then wipe it down with a dry rag to remove the dust.
- 3). Sand the wood with 220-grit sandpaper, and then wipe it down with a dry rag to remove the dust.
- 4). Wipe the gel stain onto the surface with a brush. Use long brush strokes and go with the grain of the wood. Apply the stain evenly, and wipe away any spots where the stain is thick. Check corners and edges, as the stain tends to collect in these areas. Allow the stain to set for at least 12 hours.
- 5). Prepare a batch of sealer coat by mixing polyurethane and paint thinner with a one-to-one ratio -- so the solution is 50 percent polyurethane and 50 percent paint thinner.
- 6). Apply the sealer coat to the furniture, using the same technique you used to apply the gel stain. Allow the sealer to dry for eight hours, and then add a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry for at least 12 hours.
- 7). Sand the furniture very lightly with 320-grit sandpaper. Wipe the furniture to remove all of the dust.
- 8). Apply a straight polyurethane coat to the furniture and allow it to dry for at least 12 hours.
- 9). Sand the furniture very lightly with 320-grit sandpaper. Wipe the furniture to remove all of the dust. Apply another coat of polyurethane to the furniture and allow it to dry for at least 12 hours. Sand it again with the 320-grit sandpaper. Add another coat of polyurethane if necessary.
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