How to Stain Oak Baseboards
- 1). Apply wood filler to fill any small holes, cracks, splits or blemishes in the oak baseboard, using a putty knife. Allow filler to dry. If you want a more rustic look, skip this step.
- 2). Sand the wood using progressively finer sandpaper grit. For instance, start with rough (60- to 80-grit), then sand with a medium-grit paper (100 to 120) and finish with a fine grit (180 to 220).
- 3). Apply wood sealer or wood conditioner with a brush, sponge or cloth. This is an optional step, but it will produce a more uniform shade because the stain will absorb more consistently across the wood's surface.
- 4). Apply the stain evenly with a soft brush, sponge or cloth. Wipe off any excess stain gently with a soft cloth. Repeat this step if you want a deeper hue. Multiple coats of stain can be applied.