REFINISHING  TIGER OAK WOOD IN WALNUT STAIN & SATIN FINISH

Final stain color will vary depending on the wood species. Lighter woods such as White Oak, Tiger Oak, Maple, and mixed Oaks naturally absorb stain differently, and the result may appear lighter or less saturated than they do on swatch samples. The soft wood grains absorb stain differently from the hardwood grains, creating a higher contrast.

REFINISHING  CHERRY WOOD IN CARBON BLACK STAIN & SATIN FINISH

Stain such as Old Master’s Carbon Black achieve more coverage than lighter stains.

Dark stains work best for fuller color coverage on woods with strong red or dark undertones, such as Mahogany and Cherry. They help soften the natural red tones while creating a deeper, more modern finish. 

REFINISHING WHITE OAK WITH PAINT, WHITE WASH & SATIN FINISH 

Paint washes create an opaque look while still showing wood through. Coverage can be manipulated by the number of applications. White oak is very light after stripping, but if you’re trying to achieve the natural look without orange or pink hues, neutralizing the wood with a wash using specific undertones will help with the result.

REFINISHING TIGER OAK  WITH NATURAL STAIN WASH FINISH (water-based stains)

Note that a water-based natural color stain can be diluted into a wash to neutralize the orange undertones, still exposing the different tones of dark grains in the wood: the more wash applications, the less contrast in the result.

REFINISHING MIXED OAK WASH EFFECT

Keep in mind that lighting plays a major role in how wood washes and finishes appear. The left side of the base is shown under soft white LED lighting, while the photo to the right reflects the finish in natural lighting. Variations in lighting can significantly affect the warmth, depth, and tone of the final appearance.

REFINISHING VARIETY WOOD SPECIES WASH EFFECT

When trying to achieve an organic, lighter wood finish, and furniture is made with a combination of wood species, , the variation in the wood tones will be noticeable.

 This can be diffused slightly by the number of wash applications, but not necessarily even all the tones perfectly.

REFINISHING PINE WOOD / NATURAL MATTE FINISH

Matte polyurethane has no sheen and diffuses the orange hue of the pine slightly once it is sealed. Although you can still see the orange Old Master’s Matte finisher tends to diffuse the orange undertone slightly. 

This natural finish highlights the authenticity of the wood without staining or washing.

MIXED OAK / OLD MASTER’S AMERICAN WALNUT STAIN / GLOSSY FINISH

Notice the sheen when glossy polyurethane is applied to stained wood. If shine is not what you’re looking for and you prefer a flat, more organic, rustic look, we suggest sealing with  Matte finisher or choosing colors from our Rubio Monocoat oil sample board.

RUBIO MONOCOAT OIL PLUS 2C / DARK ROAST FINISH

Rubio Monocoat is a natural product with low VOC and a 3 to 5 day cure time. It has a flat finish and is ideal for those who like an organic look rather than polished, glossy, or shiny. 

If you have a family heirloom with rustic qualities and would like to preserve the look of the piece, Rubio Monocoat is ideal.

PAINT FAUX WOOD GRAIN TECHNIQUES

Some modern Trestle tables appear to be solid wood but actually have sheets of veneer wood on top, and can be painted using special primers, glazes, and techniques. 

Painting does not require stripping, a light scuff sanding after cleaning, and applying multiple layers of wood primer is key for a sustainable, durable finish that will last.

 ARTISAN PAINTING  / DIY PAINT

Artisan finishes do not require stripping, although cleaning thoroughly and light scuffing is key for any product to adhere best. If you like authentic expression and have fun with color or design, we can work together in choosing the right fit for your decor style.

“Having inspiration beforehand helps make the design process smoother and more personalized. We encourage clients to browse Pinterest and save photos or screenshots that reflect their style, vision, or desired finish. We’ll work with you to transform those ideas into a custom piece you’ll love.”

SPRAY PAINT FINISHES / VALSPAR CABINETRY PAINT / OLD MASTER’S SATIN POLYURETHANE

“For a smooth, buttery appearance and a factory-like finish, we apply three to four layers of each product with detailed sanding between coats. An automotive-grade spray system is used to achieve an even, refined, professional finish.”

 It is nessessary to remove all hardware, clean thoroughly,  and disassemble everything.

NOTE: “Natural wood tones, deep stains, previous coatings, humidity, and surface wear can all influence final coverage and finish results.”

FAUX MARBLE DESIGN

 If a single color seems too basic, consider custom finishes like a marbled tabletop; they add warmth, personality, and elevate  your space.

FAUX WASH DESIGN

Refinishing ornate furniture is typically more costly than painting due to the detailed hand sanding and labor required to preserve the natural wood, especially on heavily carved pieces.

If preserving the original wood is not important to you, painting can still achieve a light, natural wood or whitewash look.

By using warm, natural-toned paints and applying a custom wash finish, we can create the soft, organic appearance shown in the photo above.

FAUX WEATHERED WITH DESIGN

The possibilities are endless, and stenciling is a fun way to create a unique design on furniture.

If you are an artist at heart or like to be creative in your home, we most certainly can help you bring ideas to life.