Layering Reactive Stains: How To

Hey guys, it's finally getting chilly in Italy! I can't believe it will be Christmas in no time! They don't celebrate as much in Italy, as Easter is their giant holiday. I've also got a paint update for you guys! We are selecting our final shades for our new paint line launch, so keep your fingers crossed for me! This week's project shows you how easy it is to layer reactive stains! 

Materials

• Table
• Garbage Bag
• Citristrip
• Mineral Spirits
• Scraper
• Palm Sander, Sand Paper
• Gloves
• Rags
• Weatherwood Stain's Light Oaking
• Weatherwood Stain's Restoration
• Weatherwood Varnish, Dead Flat

Directions

Here's the "before" of this typical, out dated oak table. There's a million of these babies floating around from the 80's and 90's. It shouldn't be too hard to get your hands on one, and at a good price. 

If you're using a brand new, or raw wood table, please skip down to step #5. Thanks!

1.] STRIP

First you'll want to apply a thick layer of Citristrip to the table. Citristrip has a tendency to dry out before it can eat away at all the layers of stain and lacquer. So covering the wet stripper with a garbage bag helps keep the moisture in while it works.

2.] SCRAPE

When the stripper turns white, it's ready to be scraper off. Remove the bags and scrape as much of the mixture off, as you can. You'll want to try and get down ti the raw wood if you can. But being careful not to scrape or damage the wood itself. 

3.] CLEAN

You will want to wipe the table down with mineral spirits and a rag to remove any existing residue. This should remove any sticky residue from the tabletop. 

4.] SAND

Here's the labor portion. You want to use a palm sander and 80 grit sandpaper to make sure the wood is completely down to raw. You can see in this video what I mean.

5.] STAIN

Weatherwood released a new stain that can turn any wood species into a beautiful driftwood gray, called Light Oaking. Apply with sponge brush and allow to air dry, see below. Dry time 30-60 minutes.

6.] LAYER

The client was looking for a warmer gray. So we quickly and easily applied a coat of Restoration stain, which is a warm brown. Again, applying with a sponge brush and letting it air dry. 

 7.] PROTECT
Apply 2-3 coats of Weatherwood Varnish to protect!

If you're looking for other projects using Light Oaking, check out how we replicated DIY Restoration Hardware Reclaimed Gray Oak Table. The Light Oaking is simply gorgeous and so easy to use! Don't forget to save 10% on your Weatherwood order! Code; WELCOME10 and I'd love to see your Weatherwood projects.