How to Stain a Veneer Wood Table

Inexpensive tables are often composed of particle board. They're then coated with a thin wood veneer to improve their overall appearance. Enhance the veneer's look by finishing it with stain. However, note that because wood veneer is thin, it absorbs stain poorly. This characteristic often leads to drips and runs. Employ the proper preparation and application strategies, or you'll generate a messy finish that may ultimately peel and flake.

• 1

  Sand the veneer wood table. Use a palm sander with 120-grit sandpaper. Sand along with the veneer's wood grain until the table's finish appears dull.

• 2

  Replace the coarse 120-grit sandpaper with 220-grit sandpaper. Sand the table until it feels smooth to your fingertips.

• 3

  Wipe sawdust from the table, using sticky tack cloths.

• 4

  Protect the area beneath the table by covering it with drop cloths.

• 5

  Coat the veneer wood table with an oil-based stain. Use a paintbrush specifically manufactured for use with oil-based paints. Apply a light coat of stain to avoid unnecessary runs. Wipe the wet stain from the veneer wood table, using cloth rags. Wash your paintbrush with mineral spirits. Wait a minimum of four hours for the table to dry.

• 6

  Coat the stained veneer wood table with varnish, using the clean paintbrush. Wait a minimum of four hours for the table to dry.