- 1). Sand the molding with 120-grit sandpaper using a power sander. Sand along with the molding wood grain or splintering will result. Stop when the old existing finish appears dull.
- 2). Replace the 120-grit sandpaper with 220-grit. Sand the molding until it feels smooth.
- 3). Clean sawdust from the molding by wiping it with sticky tack cloths.
- 4). Protect surfaces on either side of the molding from stain overlap by meticulously covering them with painter's tape. Place dropcloths on the floor beneath the molding.
- 5). Coat the sanded molding with stain using a 2-inch natural-bristled paintbrush. Apply only a thin coat, brushing along with the wood grain. Apply stain to a 3-foot-wide section of molding at a time. Wipe the wet stain from the trim using cloth rags. Continue this application process until all of the molding is coated with stain. Wait 4 hours for the trim to dry.
- 6). Clean the paintbrush with mineral spirits.
- 7). Coat the stained molding with varnish using the clean paintbrush. Apply only a thin coat, brushing along with the wood grain. Allow the trim to dry for 4 hours. Skip this step if you desire an unvarnished finish.
previous post