Da Vinci’s Distressed Chalk Finish © is a Only Green eco brand
Step by Step in using “Stain & Varnish”
Using Only Greens 2-in-1 Stain and varnish makes the job easy to do , quicker than oil based varnishes and safer to use as far less toxic than many varnishes and stains.
Tools you need to make this project easy
Good quality finishing supplies take the pain out of staining & Varnishing
SANDPAPER. Buy 100-grit (medium) products for sanding the raw wood and 240- 320 grit (extra-fine) sanding paper for sanding between coats
BRUSHES Buy a good quality synthetic paint brush (such as “Oldfields” Pro-Oval synthetic brush) for small jobs a 38mm or 50mm is good for larger areas a 63mm or 75mm will work well. Use them for the 2-in-1 Stain and varnish. Don't buy cheap brushes. If you take care of it and clean it well, a top-quality brush will last for years or years.. A cheap brush is more likely to leave brush marks and bristles in the finish.
RAGS Use 100-percent cotton painter's rags. T-Shirts are often mad from cotton and are perfect for this. Don't use old bed sheets or clothes that contain synthetic fibers. They may leave behind dyes and lint.
TACK CLOTHS Find tack cloths at you local decorating store.Use them to eliminate the last specks of dust after you sand between coats.
Step 1-Sanding
Start with approx 100-grit sand papper (always remember to sand with the grain) until you eliminate imperfections and rough areas.
This step is crucial for achieving a uniform wood surface that'll absorb stain and varnish evenly. It also smoothes out surface imperfections, which might show through the clear coat. Don't sand with finer grits at this before the 1st coat or you're likely to end up with uneven stain..
For hand-sanding, you can use a sanding sponge or a asanding block with paper wrapped around it and a folded piece of sandpaper for tight crevices and sand the total surface whether you think it needs it or not. Your fingertips and eye will tell you when enough is enough also remember if you use fresh paper and sponges, the sanding goes fast.
Step 2-applying 1st coat
The first coat is crucial to getting an even colour as the first coat will act as a stain.Start by stirring the stain. Scrape the stir stick across the bottom and pull up any settled solids, then work them into the varnish. Don't skimp when you're applying stain & Varnish in this step—more is better.
The idea is to let it soak into all areas of the wood for about the same amount of time Wipe off the bristles on a rag or newspaper between strokes to keep the bristles dry and to avoid smearing. Let the stain & varnish dry for 30minutes to 2 hours before applying a second coat.
Once this has been completed lightly sand with a 280grit to 320 grit sand paper.
Step 3 - 2nd and 3rd finishing coat
Give ist coat a light sand with 280-320grit sandpaper and wipe off dust with tach cloth for best results.
Apply second coat of Only Green’s “2 in 1 stain and varnish in the colour you choose.
Now after the second coat the colour should be even if not you may consider giving a good sand to even out. But if happy you can give a very light sand again with 280-320grit sandpaper and use tack cloth to remove dust.
At this point if you are happy with the colour and do not want to go darker you may consider putting a coat of Only Green ClearCoat ( clear finish ) to complete your project or a 3rd coat of the colour you choose.
Keep in mind 2-in-1 Stain in varnish is a satin finish so of you want a gloss just put another coat of ClearCoat Gloss as a 4th coat.
