How do you stain a bookshelf?

Question

I just bought two light colored wooden bookshelves. I want them darker and my husband told me to stain them. I don't know how to do that. Can anyone help me out by telling me an easy way to do it?

Answer 1

Go to Lowes or Home Depot and pick out the particular stain that you want,as they have around 20 or so different ones.Sand the shelf ,use a regular brush and paint on the stain.The wood will soak it up and it will take a couple of passes with the brush after it drys,to get good penetration and color.Good luck.

Answer 2

go to home depot or the hardware store and buy the stain.ask the men or women working at the hardware store to help you pick out the color stain and give you directions on how to use it.you just go with the grain of the wood using a rag apply the stain wipe off and that should be all follow the directions and you should be fine.

Answer 3

FIRST -- are they unfinished bookshelves?  If so, then you'll find it fairly easy to get started.  But if they have any kind of finish on them already, then they will have to be stripped first, then refinished.

Ok, lets assume the worst... and they are finished.  You'll need to get a stripping agent... you can find these in a kit, like Formby's at most department stores like Wal-Mart, or anywere paint supplies are stored.  Some of the solvents Ive used over the years are MEK (MethylEthylKetone), and Acetone.  Acetone can be found just about anywhere... be sure you do this in a well ventilated area, on a concrete surface (garage or driveway, for example) - for if you spill any drops of it on carpet, clothing, or a painted surface, it will 'bleach' stain, or strip it.  A stripping 'kit' would be the easiest approach for a first-timer, because it will have everything you need in the package, as well as good directions.  A sander may also be used to help remove the existing top coat.   After stripping the units, use a neutralizing agent on them to help remove any solvent left on the surface.  (By the way, the solvents are flammable.. so no smoking or other open flame while doing this, lol)

Once the surface is bare and ready for new stain, I'd suggest you go down to your local supplier (building supply store, department store, or even hardware store) to choose what color and type of new stain you want.  Some of the 'big box' stores offer 1 day classes on this type of project and would be good to attend.  Gel stains are very forgiving for those new at this type of project.  The basic approach is to apply a liberal amount of stain to the surface, wait a few seconds, and wipe off the excess.  Some water based stains can be applied repeatedly, making the surface darker with each successive coat.  Read the instructions on the containers.. and allow for dry time.  Once you have the units the color you want, you need to apply a protective top coat.  In my career, Ive used everything from lacquer finishes to acid catalizyed top coats, to urethanes.  For a first time user, you might find that polyurethane is the easiest to apply.  It can be brushed or sprayed on, and there are tips and tricks for either method.

Feel free to contact me by email, if you need more specific tips... I'll need some additional information, and we can go over it, if you like.

I've done everything from a career in wood production management, to my own personal hobby work of making my own furniture pieces (including shelving, and entertainments centers) to matching antique finishes in repair work, or making new pieces match an antique finish.

I enjoy woodworking, hehehe.

Good Luck