Wood trim can add warmth and character to a home. Oak is a hardwood with a coarse grain, which makes it easy to work with. Oak is one of the most common woods used for finish work in homes, and many stains and finishes are designed for this type of application. The type of stain and finish you choose depends on the color you want the wood to be, and whether you want a satin or gloss finish.
Instructions
1. Lay trim out on a flat surface. If you don't have a workbench you can do this on sawhorses if you make sure they provide enough support for the trim, which can be very flexible. Do this outside or in an area separate from where you will be finishing the trim, if possible.
2. Sand the trim with 100-grit sandpaper, using the sandpaper to get into crevices and the sanding pad for curves. If the trim has a flat profile you can use a sanding sponge. Stop sanding when the wood feels uniformly smooth and any marks from planing or cutting have been removed.
3. Move the trim to a dust-free area or allow several hours for the sawdust to settle.
4. Wipe the sanded trim with a tack cloth to remove the sawdust. Wipe it until no more sawdust comes off when wiped with a clean rag.
5. Stir the stain, scraping the stir-stick across the bottom and stir any solids into the stain until it is all uniform.
6. Dip a natural-bristle brush into the stain and brush it liberally over the wood, making sure you get it into all the crevices. Try to evenly cover all the wood.
7. Allow the stain to soak into the wood for about five minutes and then wipe off excess stain with a clean, 100 percent cotton rag. Keep folding the rag so you always have a clean, dry cloth to work with. If you see streaks in the stain, wipe it again with a clean rag.
8. Use a clean, dry, natural-bristle brush to "dry brush" any crevices or areas that you couldn't reach with the rag. Drag the dry brush through these areas, wiping it off frequently on a rag or newspaper to remove stain from these crevices.
9. Repeat this process as necessary to create an even finish and to make the wood the color you want it to be.
10. Allow the stain to dry overnight and finish as desired.
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