I received a lot of questions about some of the finishing details on the table I posted about a couple of days ago. First, I’ll introduce all of you to Wipe-On Poly. This product is made by Minwax and you can purchase it at Wal-Mart for about $7.00-8.00. It gives your stained furniture a hand-rubbed tongue oil sort of look. 
It’s so easy to use and you don’t have to worry about brush strokes. All you need is a rag (I use the old onsies from my boys.) Pour some Poly onto the rag and rub it on the wood with the grain. That’s it! I generally apply 2-3 coats with a light rub with some fine steel wool between coats.
(You’re getting a little sneak peak of my new desk. It’s not quite ready, yet, but almost. Stay tuned!)
Next thing I received questions about was my antique glazing technique. There are several methods, but this is what I’ve been using for a while. (I’m still playing around with some other methods, so I’ll let you know if I like those results better.) I use Minwax Dark Walnut wood stain to antique my furniture. You can purchase this can at Wal-Mart for about $6.00.
With a foam or chip brush, smear the stain over the furniture, working in small sections. You want to keep a “wet edge”, so you get an even finish.
Rub the stain in with a clean rag immediately. Be careful to rub out all of the marks from the rag, so you don’t end up with weird streaks.
Focus on getting the stain into the nooks and crannies. This makes a more convincing look of age and patina. It also highlights the details of the piece.
Here’s another sneak peak of a marble-topped table that is almost done. I should have before & after pictures of this one for you tomorrow. Please feel free to ask if you have other questions!
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I read about Wipe On Poly on another blog and purchased it about a month ago, but haven't used it yet. I also purchased Klean-Strip Sander Deglosser at the same time. I just haven't found anything at the junks stores to try it on!! I'll keep hunting.
Have you ever heard of Olde Century Colors? I use this brand, it is hard to find but great to work with. They have a cream stain that is thick like pudding. It give the most unbelievable antique look. Just thought I would share and I will be trying your idea as well. Thank you and happy blogging! Laura
Thanks for sharing those tips. Oooh, sneak peeks. . . love what I'm seeing so far. I can't wait until tomorrow to see the table.
You are SOOOO talented! I just love stopping by. Can't wait to see the rest of your table and desk!
I can't wait to see the finished pieces…show me now;)!!! It is so unfair of you to tempt us with these gorgeous snippets!!!
I LOVE your work!!! You are truly an artist!!!
Enjoy!!!
XOXO
Cathy
Thanks so much for the info, I had been one of those that asked. Hopefully this will solve the brush marks that I get with other poly. Can't wait to try some of this. Your pieces are looking wonderful!
Debra
Love your blog!
YAY!! I thought I was crazy for using the wood stain as a way to antique my furniture. I JUST got done painting a mirror wjth the wood stain. I will post pictures tomorrow morning so come by and see it!
Thanks for sharing this =)
Boy oh boy that desk looks charming! I too await!
Love the info on the stain. Do you clear over this step or is the glaze enough protection?
Donna
wow! love all your projects especially the message board and number chair! have your every tried butcher's paste wax as a sealer-it adds a whole new dimension to your furniture!
stopping by from sits this morning-last day of my giveaway & would love if dropped by!
http://puertabella.blogspot.com/2009/10/allmoderncom-giveaway.html
Looking beautiful, I can't wait to see it completed. I have never used the wipe on poly. I will definitely try it. Thanks for the tutorial! I have a little award for you at my blog. No obligation. You can post it or not without going through all the rules. I know some bloggers just don't do badges. But I wanted to give you props for a great re purposing blog. Pam
Thanks for the review of the rub-on poly–I'd seen it in the hardware store, and was intrigued. (I get too many brush strokes in the conventional stuff.) I'm definitely going to run out and try it now!
Stopping by from SITS to say hello!
Your blog is fab – and I love the various projects (both finished and in progress) I've seen pictured here.
I love the Wipe-on Poly by Miniwax. I used it on my dining room table top and it worked great. Can't wait to see the desk….love the little sneak peak.
Have a wonderful day.
Gail
I LOVED this tip so much, I featured it in my Featuring You ~ Part 3 mini series.
I can't wait to get my hands on some of this glaze to try it out on a few things I have!
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/10/featuring-you-part-3.html
Donna
Thank you Miss Mustard Seed! I knew you would come through for me. I just painted my china cabinet this lovely mossy green with a white interior. I think I want to antique it but I didn't want to go and buy anything. I've got the dark walnut stain! I'm set!
Thanks again and congratulations on the HGTV news! How very exciting!
Thank you for this tutorial. It's been a while since I painted any furniture and I have some mismatched French furniture that I am excited about using this tutorial with. I enjoy your blog!
Can I use this wipe on poly over latex paint?