Step 1: PREP PREP PREP!!
Prepping your project:

The MOST IMPORTANT step to finishing is PREP PREP PREP!
Yet, it is often the step skipped most often, due to it's perceived difficulty. But, there is no need to stress. Here is an easy how-to guide :

Old Furniture or wood:
Clean well with 50/50 denatured alcohol and water. This helps to remove old oils, fingerprints, cleaners, and waxes. Once dry, grab around a 220 block sanding pad and give it a light scuff sand. Once finished, clean one more time with the same mixture and be sure to remove any sanding dust residue.

New wood:
Seal with CrystaLac amber-toned Sanding Sealer, or clear It’s Knot Shellac. These help minimize grain raise to reduce sanding, seals in the tannins of the wood to prevent bleeding and yellowing, and creates a nice waterproof barrier (see more info under sanding sealer).

​*When staining no sanding sealer is needed. It is usually best to apply our Gel-Stain directly to the raw wood. To get even coverage on porus or soft woods you can prep by first doing one or two coats of our Clear Gel Stain/Glaze Base

Guide 2: Sanding Sealer

All about Why and How to use Sanding Sealer

Guide 3: Wood Grain Filler

Wood Grain Filler use and Tutorials

Guide 4: Topcoat/ Sealer

Which topcoat to select and how to apply