Finding the Right Finish for Interior Woodwork

How He Did It
Like the look of the wood ceiling? Try Mauro's technique

1: Using 150-grit sandpaper, Mauro roughed up the pine's surface to open its pores, then wiped away sawdust with a tack cloth. (LEFT)

2: Using a natural-bristle brush, he applied a thin layer of Zar oil-based stain in Country White and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes so that it could seep into the wood's pores. (BELOW)

3: Working in the direction of the grain, he wiped away the unabsorbed stain with a clean rag. After it dried, he repeated Steps 2 and 3 to give the wood a whiter, brighter look. (BELOW)

4: Using a synthetic-bristle brush, he applied two coats of water-based acrylic finish. (BELOW) (He used a pro-grade product; Minwax's Polycrylic Protective Finish would give similar results.)