How To Achieve A Walnut Finish

Transforming your house into a home is every mother’s dream.

Being able to change that house into a place where you can safely bring up your kids and have memorable moments while doing it has been my lifelong dream.

In this article, I will share with you how you can achieve a walnut finish.

Walnut wood is often dark, dense, hard, and has tight grains.

Nevertheless, it is a woodworker’s prized possession because it offers excellent strength and has an appealing color when it is all finished.

If correctly done, it can polish to a smooth finish, producing different colors such as creamy white or dark chocolate.

All of which will come in quite handy when decorating your room.

However, in my experience, I have learned that not all things require professionals.

Therefore, if you are a stay-at-home mom, here are some ways to achieve the perfect walnut finish.

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Before proceeding any further, you will need the following supplies:
• Denatured alcohol
• Latex gloves
• Dark brown dye
• Dark brown gel stain
• Linen sponge
• Mixing cup
• Cotton rugs
• Sanding sealer

How to apply each of the products mentioned above:

 

1: Scrape The Surface

The first step is to prepare your work by sanding or scraping the surface.

Here, you will only need to go up to 220 grit and no further. Next, wipe the grain with a wet rag and let it dry off.

2: Prepare The Dye

The second step is to prepare the dye. It must not necessarily be from the dark brown shade.

You can choose any color of your choice.

Dilute it by about 50% with the aid of denatured alcohol, or you can use water as an alternative.

However, there is a downside to using water; the dye will not dry as quickly as when you use denatured alcohol.

After dilution, apply multiple coats to get the color you desire.

3: Apply The Diluted Dye

The next step would be to apply the diluted dye. However, how to apply depends solely on the size of your project.

If you are applying a large surface, it is best to spray it.

If it is a smaller project, it is best to hand-apply it.

If using hands to apply use the sponge dipped in the dye, and then wrings it out gently.

Work swiftly to avoid overlapping areas where the dye has already dried out.

4: Fix Any Lap Marks

On the occasion where you created lap marks, fix them as quickly as possible.

One way to fix this is by using a damp rag containing denatured alcohol and wipe down the affected area.

If the marks are stubborn, use sandpaper, and if by chance you happen to remove some dye, you can constantly reapply it.

5: Seal The Wood

After the coat dries up, seal up the wood with a thin coat of dewaxed shellac.

6: Sand The Sealer

 If you deem it necessary, scuff sand the sealer.

7: Apply The Dark Brown Gel Stain

The seventh step is applying a dark brown gel stain.

It will act as a glaze that you will use in wiping.

However, it would be best if you were keen on this process as you might load some dark gel into the wood pores, which will negatively affect the long haul.

8. Let it dry and apply the topcoat.

Allow to dry before applying the topcoat.

How Do You Achieve A Walnut Brown Finish?

It is easy to achieve a beautiful walnut finish right at home.

However, do not forget that before you commence to dye the wood, always sand the surface.

Also, remember not to overdo this as it may bring an undesired finish on the walnut.

Instead, just sand to about 220 grit and follow the other steps as seen above.