Restain Oak Wood shelf?

Question

I have a shelf above the kitchen countertop and it got wet because it's near the sink. the Poly has worn off after 7 years. What are the correct steps in order to sand it, to finishing it properly. I sanded it down with an orbital sander and restained it and it looks like crap, it's tacky and spotty. Please give me the correct steps from A to Z on how to properly do this right. Please be specific on when I sand,etc.. I want it to be Classic Oak Finish with some kind of poly on it to make it smooth. Thanks

Answer 1

First if it had polyurethane on it, you have got to sand it all off in ONE DIRECTION, NOT WITH THE ORBITAL SANDER. Once you get it smooth (edges included). Wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth. Since you have taken off the finish, use a fine sanding block to correct the circles it probably has on it by sanding the long way ONLY. The use paint thinner or acetone and wipe off the stain you put on it to even it out.

Paint on your Classic Oak Stain going back and forth on one direction only, leave it on to reach the shade you want. Wipe off the excess. Rub it to even out the color, let it dry.

Then Brush on the Finish you are going to use.
Water proof, if it is going back into a wet area.

I hope this works for you. Take your time to do a good job. Do not rush. Good Luck.