Don't use a fabric drop cloth alone, or stain drips may bleed through.
Tongue-and-groove ceilings are made of wood, cut with interlocking parts that hide nails from sight. Seasonal movements will cause tongue-and-groove boards to shift. This often allows unfinished portions of the wood to become exposed. The best way to finish a tongue-and-groove ceiling is to stain each board prior to installation. Unfortunately, many builders install the boards before they are stained. If you need to finish a tongue-and-groove ceiling, you will need to perform the proper preparation and application to avoid unforeseen messes. You should also keep a small amount of stain to touch up unfinished wood as it exposes itself, over time.
Instructions
1. Cover flooring with plastic drop cloths. Cover the cloths with fabric ones.
2. Using a step ladder, sweep over the tongue-and-groove ceiling with a broom to remove dust.
3. Open the bucket of stain. Use a wooden stick to stir the stain for 5 full minutes. Pour 1 gallon of stain into the 2-gallon painter's pot.
4. Use a 4-inch paintbrush to apply stain to the ceiling. Ensure that the brush is made for use with oil-based coatings. Hold the brush sideways to work stain into the areas between the tongue and groove boards.
5. Wait 2 hours for the stain to dry. Apply an additional coat if you'd like darker, richer results.
6. Store the stain in a garage or storage area. Use the remaining stain to touch up unfinished wood as it presents itself.
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