There are many high-quality wood furniture pieces out there. Many people buy it new, while others buy it used, or even have it handed down as an heirloom piece from family. No matter how you acquire your items, knowing how to refinish solid wood furniture is a must. Refinishing furniture allows you to customize, update, and refinish any piece of solid wood furniture.
Strip the wood of its current stain
If the wood is already stained, the first step to refinish your piece is to strip off the previous stain. You can accomplish this with chemical strippers. With these, you should always follow the instructions on the product. In most cases, you will need to apply the product and wait a few hours, then wipe the stain off. You can also remove stain and varnish with a sander. This method is more recommended for damaged items, as sanding can remove damage to the wood as well.
Sand it down
Once you have completely removed the stain, sand the wood with the grain. This will help remove any leftover stain or spots you missed when stripping the piece. Sanding also helps remove any scratches, dents, or other imperfections in the wood. Sanding is especially important on vintage wood furniture, as these types of pieces are more likely to have damages that need repairs. Sanding is also the best way to restore a piece. It can fix swollen drawers, minimize scratches and dents, and even out surfaces that have warped over the years.
Clean it off
Get all the dust particles off the piece before you start applying the new stain. If you leave dust on the furniture, the stain adheres to the dust particles rather than the actual wood, and you will end up with a very patchy and splotchy stain coverage. Wipe the furniture down with a soft cloth and ensure the surface is clean before proceeding to the next step.
Stain the wood
Add however many layers of stain you require to achieve the desired appearance of your wooden furniture. Be sure to test the stain in a spot that is invisible to the eye. This will ensure you like the appearance of the color on the wood and that it applies nicely. A great spot for this test is under a flat tabletop, inside a drawer, or in a small back corner. Once you apply the stain, you may want to wait for it to dry completely before adding a finish.
Finish it
Finish protects your furniture from damage. To add a finish, you must first select the kind of finish you want. Then you can simply brush it on with a paintbrush or a soft cloth. You can add additional layers once it’s dry for extra shine and protection if you wish.