Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/17/2008

Question
I purchased an old (antique?) headboard and footboard that are in decent condition.  They have a “cherry” stain and there are a few places where there is some build-up of “gunk” (maybe old stain?) and a few places where there are marks down to the wood.  I’d like to finish these black either with paint or an ebony stain with maybe some of the original stain showing through.   I’m looking for the easiest route but want something durable (for a child’s room).  I will be purchasing new side boards for the bed and will want to have them look like it came with the bed (my options for side rails are unfinished or a cherry colored stain).

Answer
Hi Amy
Nice to hear from you.
First off I would clean the pieces.
Use mineral spirits and fine steel wool.
This will remove all dirt and grime.
In order to stain, you must remove all the finish currently on the bed.
Furniture stripper will do this.
But thats a lot of work, and if you are considering paint thats a lot easier.
If you want the stain to show through, you sand back the painted areas to reveal this. Never saw this done in this application but I ain't seen everything LOL
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen