Apply the Stain

Stain new wood to match the unstained look of the original furniture as closely as possible. To layer the stain, start with a dark stain, add a lighter stain such as a light coat of antique white, apply another coat of dark stain, and then blend the piece with a blending pencil.

Mix stain into wood-filler putty before using it to cover nail holes. Some putty won't accept stain after it dries.

Attach the Replacement Pieces

After you apply wood filler, attach replacement pieces to the furniture. If the replacement pieces will support the weight of the furniture, attach them securely with screws and wood glue.

Sand the Entire Piece

Sand the furniture to remove excess putty and smooth any frayed areas or damage from the stripping process. Sand with the grain of the wood, and apply equal pressure to forward and backward strokes. Use a tack cloth or a damp rag to remove sanding dust.

Apply a Final Coat of Stain

When the furniture is dry, move it to a well-lit area, and apply a new coat of stain. Apply stain with a lint-free rag, and wipe it off with a clean rag.