Old Dad says: "Follow these simple steps to a great finish.."

www.olddads.com

First you will need :
A well ventilated place to work
100 or 120 grit sandpaper
600 grit wet 'n dry sandpaper
a tack cloth
lint free rag (or old T-shirt)
foam brush (optional)

And...Old Dad's Stain and Top Coating ..of course

See for yourself how easy and rewarding it can be when you start
with unfinished furniture and transform it into a family treasure

Begin by taking apart anything that will come apart easily. Sand all surfaces with the 100/120 grit sandpaper, be sure to sand with the grain. Wipe off all the dust with your tack cloth.
Shake or stir the stain thoroughly before you start and test it in a hidden area to be sure that this is the color you want.
Do one area at a time using the lint free rag to apply a generous coat of stain. Wipe it on in the direction of the grain and then wipe it in using a circular motion.
Use a clean rag and wipe off all of the excess stain ....wipe in the direction of the grain.
Continue the staining process... one area at a time...until you have the whole piece stained.

LET IT DRY OVERNIGHT!
Pull knobs can be dipped directly into the can...then allowed to dry overnight.

Tip: if you want a deeper, darker color - apply a second coat as follows:

Wipe on a generous coat with the cloth pad, then take a quarter sheet of wet 'n dry sandpaper (for ease fold the sandpaper in thirds) and wet sand the surface very lightly (on turned surfaces such as legs and spindles using a white nylon 3M pad will make the job easier). Finish by wiping down all the surfaces with the same cloth pad and LET IT DRY OVERNIGHT.
Keep all cans tightly closed when not in use.

Adding The Top Coat

Sand all stained areas very lightly with 600 grit wet 'n dry sandpaper. Wipe off all residue with a tack cloth.
Shake the can to ensure the contents are well mixed. Using a lint free rag wipe on the top coat (sparingly) - remember to apply the top coating to all of the inside surfaces too.
LET DRY COMPLETELY.
Sand any area that appears to need it, very lightly, with 600 grit sandpaper (when it is thoroughly dry it will powder off like a sanding sealer) Wipe off the residue with a tack cloth.
Note: discard your stain rags promptly in a water filled container...or according to local regulations.
We recommend at least 3 top coats, but if a higher luster or more protection is desired, you may add additional coats.
JUST BE SURE THAT EACH COAT IS COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE YOU APPLY THE NEXT.
Note: You may use a foam brush instead of the lint free rag - just be sure not to lay it on too thick because it could sag on vertical surfaces and it takes longer to dry.

You won't believe how easy it is until you try it for yourself.

When you buy solid wood furniture in its unfinished state you can see the quality of the construction and then use your creative touch to finish it in just the manner that suits your lifestyle.