How To Get A Natural Raw Wood Finish On Furniture

How To Get A Natural Raw Wood Finish On Furniture

Here is the before in all its amazing wood glory. Would you just look at the details on this desk? P O T E N T I A L The backside is equally gorgeous. I’ll show you later on in this blog post. Of course, I offered it to my hubby first because it was in an upstairs bedroom that he claimed for his office, but he declined, and I’m so glad he did.

I know precisely what this desk needs, and a natural raw wood finish will look stunning in my breezeway office. It’s a temporary space until I can get my new office completed. A new home, a new office, a new desk. SCORE!

SUPPLY LIST:

• Wood Furniture
• White Lightning (powerful cleaner for furniture before painting)
• spray mist bottle
• SurfPrep Sanding System (Discount code DOIT10 to save 10% on purchase)
• Au Naturel VooDoo Gel Stain (water-based)
• Gator Hide (topcoat)
• 2 Minute Remover Advanced (varnish and paint remover)  
• Odorless Mineral Spirits
• Premium Chip Brush 
• Scarlet Brush (to apply the SILK all one mineral paint)
• Cactus (SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint)
• Minwax Paste Finishing Wax (to help wood drawers slide easier)
• modern black hardware

How To Remove An Old Stained Finish

Before we begin, let’s chat a little about stripping old finishes. The way I see it, there are two ways to do this.

1. If the wood finish is old and brittle, it’s easiest to use a sander with coarse-grit sandpaper (100 grit) and rip the old finish off, including the stain, to reveal the natural wood. Finish it up using 220 grit sandpaper, and it’s ready to go.
2. Use a chemical stripper to remove the old finish, and then once the wood is dry, use a sander to remove any leftover stain or finish to expose the natural raw wood.

If you know me, I chose #1 as my method. To me, it’s quicker and easier with a lot less mess. Just a lot of wood dust! Wear your mask.

How To Apply A Natural Raw Wood Finish On Furniture

If you chose to use the sanding method to remove the old finish on your wood furniture, you’d need to remove all the wood dust from the surface before you proceed. I use my shop vac with a brush attachment! It does a great job.

Now is a good time to vacuum the inside of your piece too.

I used Dixie Belle’s Au Naturel VooDoo Gel Stain to get the natural raw wood finish I was seeking.

It’s super easy to work with, and it’s water-based. After the application with a brush (to get down into the crooks and crannies), simply wipe back any remaining stain on the surface before it dries. It will dry quickly, but no worries. To remedy this, use a spray mist bottle with water, lightly mist over the stain, and wipe back the stain until you get the finish you want.

I love how it evened out the wood tones in this old wood top on the desk and drawers. It created this gorgeous natural raw wood finish.

I’ve also achieved similar looks on raw wood with (CLICK HERE) wax and (CLICK HERE) bleach.

To seal the stain, I use a water-based topcoat.

Painting The Desk To Compliment The Natural Raw Wood Finish

To complete the look of a paint and stain combo on my desk, I used Dixie Belle’s SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint in this beautiful green color called CACTUS. Its natural, earthy color gives off the feeling of calmness. That’s exactly what I need in my office.

DIY Natural Raw Wood Finish… The LOOK

How did I get so lucky to have this fantastic desk just put in front of me? Was it meant to be? I think so.

Thank you for joining me today on my blog. I sure have enjoyed sharing my natural raw wood finish desk with you and hope you’ll consider this look on your next makeover. That’s if you love wood as much as I DO.

And don’t forget to share this on your PINTEREST board and let me know you stopped by. I always enjoy hearing from you. kiss kiss

Until the next project… xo, Do