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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/How to darken a teak sofa table

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Expert: - 9/27/2007


Question
I want to darken the table to match some cherry furniture. I got some cherry oil stain and applied it, but it didn't dry and didn't seem to absorb into the wood. I guess there must be some sort of matte or satin finish on the wood--though it looks like it's just oil stained to me.  Do I get a furniture stripper product & used that first. Then apply the cherry stain?  thanks for your advice. Karen Gunderson

Answer
Hi Karen
Nice to hear from you.
Yes, in order to stain a piece of furniture, we must first remove the finish down to bare wood.
We all make mistakes, and I made this one many years ago.
No harm done in any case if you are stripping the piece.
And actually the stain you applied will dry eventually.
Been there LOL
Kindest Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

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I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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