How to Stain Quilted Maple

Many guitars are made of quilted maple wood on the front, giving them a distinctive wood texture. You can use it for many wood projects around your home that you would use any hardwood for, such as furniture and even flooring. The key to getting a quality look is to test a small area first to make sure that the grain shows through your stain.

• 1

  Sand the entire surface of your quilted maple until the wood is very smooth, with no chips, dents or loose slivers.

• 2

  Wipe the wood with a damp rag to remove any sawdust.

• 3

  Rub a light coat of stain into the wood, following the grain. Get in all the cracks and crevices. Allow the stain to dry for about four hours.

• 4

  Sand the surface again, very lightly. Wipe it down with a slightly damp rag. Give it another light coating of stain. Allow the stain to dry overnight.

• 5

  Coat the wood with polyurethane to protect it from moisture and spills. Allow it to dry for about six hours or until it's no longer sticky to the touch, which may vary a little depending on the weather.

• 6

  Sand the surface lightly to help another coat of polyurethane adhere. Wipe it with a damp rag. Give the wood another light coating of polyurethane and allow to dry for 24 hours.

• 7

  Put subsequent coats of polyurethane on it to make the surface shiny and keep it well-protected. Sand in between each layer and allow it to dry completely before adding another coat.