How Do You Finish Alder Wood

Sand your work to 180 or 220 grit.Apply dewaxed shellac for a sealer. Sand it smooth with a fine grit sand paper or finishing pad. … Spray lacquer, sanding between coats. … After the final coat has dried, give it a light sanding with a finish pad or abrasive sponge.

Is Alder a good wood to stain?

Alder is a medium-density hardwood that is often used with furniture, trim, doors and finer finishing. It can be stained to resemble most popular wood finishes, but it is a notoriously difficult wood to stain, as it often results in uneven coloring without proper preparation.

How do you stain Alder dark wood?

1. Sand the wood with the grain using 220 sandpaper. …
2. Stain – One coat with a wiping stain and remove within 5 minutes. …
3. Dry 24 hours.
4. Apply a waterborn sealer – up to 3 very light coats (spray – small tip – low pressure). …
5. Apply waterborne lacquer or polycrylic top coats (2-3).