How To Stain A Table Top Gray

Staining a table top gray is a great way to update the look of your furniture without having to replace it. It's a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few hours. Here are the steps on how to stain a table top gray:

Materials You'll Need:

Gray wood stain
Clean rags or paper towels
Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
Tack cloth
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or foam brush

Instructions:

Prepare the table top. Remove any hardware from the table top and clean it with a damp cloth. Allow the table top to dry completely.
Sand the table top. Use 120-grit sandpaper to sand the table top in the direction of the grain. This will help to remove any existing finish and create a smooth surface for the stain to adhere to. Once you have sanded the entire table top, wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove any dust.
Apply the stain. Apply a thin coat of gray wood stain to the table top using a paintbrush or foam brush. Work in the direction of the grain and be sure to apply the stain evenly. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood for 5-10 minutes, then wipe off any excess stain with a clean rag or paper towel.
Sand the table top again. Once the stain has dried, sand the table top lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. This will help to smooth out any rough spots and create a more even finish.
Apply the polyurethane. Apply a thin coat of polyurethane to the table top using a paintbrush or foam brush. Work in the direction of the grain and be sure to apply the polyurethane evenly. Allow the polyurethane to dry for at least 24 hours before using the table.

Tips:

If you want a darker gray finish, apply multiple coats of stain. Be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
If you want a distressed look, sand the table top more heavily before applying the stain. This will create a more rustic finish.
To protect the finish, apply a second coat of polyurethane after the first coat has dried.

Staining a table top gray is a great way to update the look of your furniture without having to replace it. By following these steps, you can easily achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish.