- 1). Sand your wood crate, using a palm sander. Stop once the crate feels smooth. For best results, don't use sandpaper with a grit less than 220. Sand with the crate's wood grain to prevent damage.
- 2). Take the crate to a ventilated area and set it on a drop cloth. Never stain in enclosed spaces, as oil-based finishes emit harmful fumes.
- 3). Wipe sawdust from the wood crate, using tack cloths. Lightly dampen a shop rag with mineral spirits. Wipe the crate with the rag. Let the crate dry in the sun for one hour.
- 4). Apply oil stain to the wood crate, using a china brush. Wipe the crate with clean shop rags. Let the crate dry for two hours.
- 5). Fill a plastic painter's pot to one-quarter capacity with mineral spirits. Wash the brush with the spirits.
- 6). Coat the stained wood crate with varnish, using the brush. Coat the interior of the crate first. Wait 30 minutes before flipping the crate over. Add varnish to the opposite side. Let the crate dry for two hours.
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