Refinishing wood furniture can bring new life to old pieces, enhancing their beauty and extending their lifespan. Follow these steps to refinish your wood furniture like a pro.
Step 1: Choose Your Workspace
Set up a well-ventilated workspace, ideally outdoors or in a garage with the doors open. Lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor from dust and stains.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Collect all the necessary supplies, including sandpaper (various grits), a sanding block or electric sander, wood stain or paint, brushes, rags, and a clear finish. For sanding, the BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander is a versatile tool that makes the job easier and more efficient.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE ORBIT SANDER - 2.0 Amp corded electric random orbit sander for a swirl-free finish
- HIGH EFFICIENCY - Delivers 12000 OPM (orbits per minute) to quickly sand material
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT - Fits in tight spaces for more versatile sanding
Step 3: Clean the Furniture
Clean the piece thoroughly to remove dirt, grime, and old polish. Use a mixture of mild soap and water, then dry the furniture completely with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Remove Old Finish
Use a paint stripper or sandpaper to remove the old finish. If using a paint stripper, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If sanding, start with a coarse grit (60-80) to remove the finish, then move to a medium grit (120-150) to smooth the surface.
Step 5: Repair Any Damage
Inspect the furniture for any damage such as cracks, holes, or loose joints. Use wood filler to fill in cracks and holes, and sand smooth once it’s dry. Tighten any loose joints with wood glue and clamps.
Step 6: Sand the Surface
Sand the entire piece with fine-grit sandpaper (220) to smooth the surface and prepare it for staining or painting. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.
Step 7: Apply the Stain or Paint
Apply your chosen wood stain or paint with a brush or rag. Work in the direction of the wood grain, and apply evenly. Let the first coat dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then apply additional coats if necessary for a deeper color or better coverage.
Step 8: Seal the Finish
Once the stain or paint is completely dry, apply a clear finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. Use a polyurethane or varnish, applying thin, even coats with a brush. The Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish is an excellent choice for a durable, clear protective layer.
- Protects and adds beauty to interior wood surfaces including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets
- Crystal clear finish is ideal for use over light woods like maple, ash and birch as well as over...
- Dries quickly
Step 9: Reassemble and Enjoy
After the final coat of finish has dried, reassemble any parts that were removed, such as drawers or hardware. Your refinished wood furniture is now ready to be enjoyed!
