Sounds like this may be your first. This is a large project and not
recommended to be a "learning curve" project.

For links and resources, do a web search looking for "wood refinishing".
You should find many hits.

The present finish needs to be removed. You can use a finish remover, or
sand.

I would expect your bed has a number of nooks and crannies, lots of edges,
etc. With a complex item like this sanding is takes a lot of time.
Consider investing in one of the sanders designed to get into corners. Make
sure it is random orbit or you will not be happy to see scratches across the
grain.

Finish removers may be easier, and can remove the surface finish. If there
is existing stain, this can be more difficult to remove without sanding.

Finish removers do not open the pores as sanding, and so re-staining may
require use of a gel stain if the wood is still sealed.

Applying a top coat after staining can be done in a variety of ways :
a) Wax.
b) Shellac
c) Oil based polyurethane applied via hand wipe, brush or spray
d) Acryllic (water based "varnish") applied via brush or spray.
e) Hand rubbed oil, e.g., tung, danish, watco. Many brands.

The water based acryllic coatings do not add any colour, but are easy to
apply. They also do not add bring out the grain like wax/shellac/oil based
poly/oil.

Personally I hate the removal step in re-finished assembled items. Too time
consuming. Applying new topcoats is the easy part. When I make items I try
to apply the finish to the components before I assemble since they are
easier to prepare/sand, etc.

Dave Paine.

"Mr.Licon" wrote in message
oups.com...
I am about to start refinishing my bed. It's made of solid wood (a
light wood, not sure what kind) and is about 25 to 35 years old. It
currently has a very light finish on it (more of a pine look) however I
would like to put a much darker stain on it before I'm done. Any
suggestions on where or how I should start? Any links or resources,
maybe with a step-by-step? Anything at all would be great! Thanks!