Transform Your Furniture using Minwax Water-Based Wood Stain

This piece was finished using coloured stain and black wax; gathered fabric replaces the original glass.

Staining furniture is an easy DIY finish that adds richness and depth to a piece with a beautiful wood grain. My father used to create the coloured stains himself. Miniwax has recently added a line of coloured water based wood stains to their line which eliminates this time consuming portion of the project. How to's, after the jump.

Prep the surface by sanding it in the direction of the wood grain. Begin with medium grade sandpaper before switching to fine grade sandpaper.
Miniwax suggests using their Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner which will help the stain to go on evenly.
Sand lightly using fine-grade sandpaper.
Apply stain, wiping off excess with a rag wet with a small amount of stain.
To deepen the colour, apply a second coat 2 hours later.
While Miniwax suggests finishing your project with a clear protective top coat such as their Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish. their Fast-Drying Polyurethane or their Wipe-On Poly, we suggest my dad's trick for a richer look and finish your project with a coat of black wax. This will both accentuate the grain and add a deep, rich patina.

For more information, as well as a chart of the 75 available colours, check the Minwax website. Verdigris would achieve a colour similar to that seen on our parent's chest above.