How To Refurbish And Re Stain A Wooden Tray

To re-stain a wooden tray, you will need the following supplies:

Cleaning solutionHigh-grit sandpaperLiquid sandpaper/deglosserPre-stain conditionerStainPolyurethane (or other desired protectant)Foam brushesRagsGloves

Before you begin prepping and staining your wood tray, set up a workspace in a well-ventilated area. Since the liquid sandpaper/deglosser, pre-stain conditioner, and stain can emit fumes, make sure you work in an area with proper airflow, such as a patio or porch area. To protect your work area, lay down newspapers or a drop cloth; to protect your skin, wear gloves.

Clean the Tray

Before you begin refurbishing the tray, remove any dirt, dust, and residue from the wooden surface.

Sand the Tray

After you clean the tray, gently sand the surface with high grit sandpaper. You can use liquid sandpaper/deglosser to help remove any gloss or shine from the wood finish. A combination of sandpaper and the liquid sandpaper/deglosser preps the surface more evenly than just sandpaper. After hand sanding the tray, wipe off the entire tray with a damp rag to remove any sanding dust. Then, apply the liquid sandpaper/deglosser with a separate rag and let completely dry.

Apply Pre-Stain Conditioner

Before applying a new coat of stain, use a pre-stain conditioner to prep the wood. The tray is now ready to stain.

Apply Stain and Polyurethane

Before applying the stain to the surface of the tray, read the instructions on the container. If the color of the stain is not to your liking, apply another coat of stain and let sit for another 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how much darker you want the stain. After you remove all of the excess stains, and you are happy with the color, let the stain completely dry. This can take up to eight hours or more, depending on the humidity. Always follow the directions on the stain label to be sure.  After the stain dries, apply a protectant such as polyurethane to protect your stain finish.