What are some ways to finish unpainted pine furniture?

Sanding and presealing the wood with a clear stain prepares unpainted pine furniture for finishing. Painting the furniture with wood stain or glaze retains a natural wood look while protecting the wood from damage.

Sanding wood in the direction of the grain to smooth the wood enables the clear stain to adhere evenly to the wood. Pine absorbs stain or glaze at an uneven rate, so presealing ensures it evenly absorbs the chosen finish. Wood stains are available in a variety of shades and result in a very natural, but glossy-looking wood finish. Glazes are translucent and therefore result in an antique, distressed look.