Kit Instructions

1. Read through all instructions. Lay out all supplies, and be sure to work in a well ventilated area. Prep your area to stain and paint and begin to have fun creating!

2. Prepare the Wood. Make sure the wood is ready to stain by first sanding it lightly in the direction of the grain with the provided sandpaper. *Tip: Using a Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner will help prevent blotching.

3. Staining. Using the provided stir stick mix your Minwax® Wood Finish oil-based stain. Using the provided rag or a Purdy natural bristle brush apply one light coat to the top and sides in the direction of the grain of the wood using long strokes from one side of the wood to the other and reverse. Wait 5-15 minutes for the stain to penetrate. Using the provided rag, remove the excess stain by wiping in the direction of the wood grain. Allow to dry and repeat on back side (if desired). *See reference video below.

4. Applying Stencil. Allow wood to dry until not tacky. Once completely dry, on a flat surface, turn your stencil over grid side up, fold back a corner and begin to slowly roll grid backing off, exposing the blue sticky side.  Make sure all blue parts of stencil remain in place. Gently place stencil sticky side down on wood in the exact position you want the word(s) or image to appear on your project. Your stencil is NOT stuck until you commit. Once happy with placement, starting in center, rub top surface with something sturdy (credit card or fingers work great) to remove any air bubbles in the design. Next gently peel back the top white layer (ok if it tears) leaving all blue pieces of the stencil on the wood. Again, ensure that the stencil is firmly adhered, particularly along the edges of the word(s) or image. Rub edges of designs/letters with fingers. This will help to avoid “paint bleed” under the stencil. 

5. Painting Stencil. Using the thicker end of the make-up sponge, dab into paint then remove any excess (or off load some paint on a paper towel). DAB one coat onto stencil-LIGHTLY (LIGHT PAINT, LIGHT PRESSURE). You should still see background color for the first layer. Do not saturate paint on first layer, it will bleed under stencil. Once first layer is done on all colors, repeat for desired coverage.  You may hold up the project to see areas that may have been missed (ex: corners of letters, designs close to each other).

6. Removing Stencil. When the design is dry.  Remove stencil by gently pulling the opposite direction of the wood grain. For any small “bits” that do not pull off in the initial removal, use a toothpick (or tweezers, not supplied) to gently pull up and remove (example middles of letters “O”, “A”). 

7. Finishing Piece. Allow piece to dry for at least 4 hours before applying a top coat. After staining and stenciling your piece we suggest you top coat with a clear protective finish. It will protect the project against water, household chemicals, food stains and everyday wear. Tip: To minimize brush marks and bubbles, "tip-off" each section of your project before the finish dries. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and lightly run the bristles over the entire length of wood. If piece will be used outdoors consider using Minwax® Fast Drying Polyurethane. If indoors consider using Minwax® Polycrylic Protective Finish. 

8. Show off your hard work!! Tag Hammer & Stain & Minwax on social media or use the hashtag #hsminwaxcollab