Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Sand the mahogany with a low, 120-grit sandpaper. Sand along with the mahogany wood grain, or splintering will occur. Sand until the existing finish looks dull.
2

Fit the sander with 220-grit sandpaper. Sand the mahogany until it feels smooth.
3

Wipe sawdust form the mahogany using tack cloths.
4

Protect the areas adjacent to the mahogany by covering them with painter's tape. Place dropcloths on the floor.
5

Coat the mahogany with gel wood stain, using a 2- to 4-inch natural-bristled paintbrush. Brush along with the wood grain. Use rags to wipe the gel stain from the mahogany. Wait four hours for the stained wood to dry. Skip this step if you desire a varnish finish only.
6

Clean your paintbrush with mineral spirits.
7

Coat the stained mahogany with varnish, using the clean brush. Brush along with the wood grain, applying only a light coat. Allow the mahogany to dry for four hours.