I recently revamped a dresser and used Minwax oil stain on the top. I followed the instructions, applied it, and wiped it off after 15 minutes, but it was super sticky—like trying to wipe off honey! After waiting 10 days, it finally dried and isn't tacky anymore, but it's way shinier than I expected. I'm looking for advice on how to achieve a more satin finish. Also, what should I use to seal the piece—wax, oil, or something else? Any tips would be appreciated!
2 Answers
Just to clarify, what kind of stain did you use? And is it applied over chalk paint? If that's the case, you might not achieve the finish you wanted without risking the paint underneath. You can always remove the stain, but then you could damage the chalk finish too. I'd suggest using a soft cloth or fine sandpaper to see if you can achieve that satin look instead.
Don't sweat it! You can easily tone down that shine. Just grab some fine abrasive like White Scotch Brite or even 000 steel wool. Lightly sand the surface until you’re happy with the sheen—it’ll create tiny scratches that scatter the light. Make sure to test in a hidden spot first! For finishing, consider applying a top coat afterward, depending on the look you want.