How to Stain Poplar to Match Maple
- 1). Attach a piece of 120-grit sandpaper to the bottom of an electric sander. Prepare the piece of poplar to take the stain by running the sander over its surface.
- 2). Suck up the dust from sanding by using a handheld vacuum cleaner on the wood surface. Place the maple wood sample near your work surface for easy reference.
- 3). Dip the nylon brush in the maple-colored stain and apply it to poplar piece, following the direction of the grain. Continue until you have covered the entire piece.
- 4). Watch the wood carefully for the next 20 minutes. Because poplar is porous, it will accept the stain readily and turn dark. The longer the period of time that the stain is applied, the darker it will be. When the poplar piece has reached a darkness that resembles the maple sample, wipe off excess stain with a lint-free cloth. Allow the piece to dry for 2 hours.
- 5). Apply a light coat of clear polyurethane finish with a foam brush. Allow the finish to dry for 24 hours.
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