Just realized how much a simple sponge can change a finish

I was reading an old furniture care book from the library (the one with the green cover, you know the one) and it said that using a natural sea sponge to apply stain gives a more even coat than a brush or rag. I tried it on a pine dresser project yesterday, and it's true. The sponge soaked up just enough to avoid drips and left zero brush marks. I got a perfectly smooth first coat in about half the time. Has anyone else tried this method on something like oak or maple?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_seth3mo ago

Ever try it on a walnut piece?

matthew_owens92mo ago

My neighbor's been refinishing old furniture for years and he swears by those rubber sponges for walnut. He told me the open grain on walnut just sucks up regular brushes and leaves weird streaks. The sponge keeps the finish more even without those little bubbles and brush marks you see on softer wood. I tried it on a small walnut table top with danish oil and yeah, it came out way smoother than my usual brush job.

kim.sandra3mo ago

Doubt it makes that big a difference on hardwoods. A good brush works fine if you know how to use it, seems like extra hassle to find a special sponge.