How To Strip And Refinish Wood Furniture

Whether you are an expert in refinishing or a beginner looking to give your furniture a new look, wood furniture can be the perfect project to start with. However, before you get started, there are a few things you must know about stripping and refinishing wood furniture.

Stripping off old finishes will allow you to bring wood furniture back to its original beauty and restore its original condition. This is a common practice with refinishing wood furniture. To get started, you will need some tools and supplies, including sandpaper, a chemical stripper, a putty, knife, rags, and a tack cloth.

Begin by cleaning any furniture piece you will be working on with a tack cloth. This will ensure all dust and dirt are removed from it before applying any chemical stripper. Wear protective goggles and gloves for safety and apply a chemical stripper over the wood's surface using a paintbrush.

Wait for the stripper to sit on the surface for about 15-20 minutes or as recommended by the stripper's manufacturer. Once the stripper has settled, use a putty knife to gently scrape away the old finish that has loosened up.

If you notice any stubborn spots that do not come off with the putty knife, use a sanding sponge to sand away any remaining finish until you reach bare wood.

After stripping the furniture, use a tack cloth to wipe away any remaining dust and debris, then apply a new finish to the wood. You can apply a pre-stain conditioner to help the wood absorb the stain evenly.

After applying pre-stain conditioner, apply a coat of stain to the wood using a paintbrush or cloth. Allow the stain to dry completely before applying a topcoat of polyurethane or other clear finish.

Sand the finish with a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and apply a second coat of the topcoat for added protection. Allow the topcoat to dry completely and your furniture piece will be refinished.

Here are some additional tips for stripping and refinishing wood furniture:

Always test the stripper on a small area of the furniture first to ensure it does not damage the wood.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using chemical strippers.
Use a respirator if sanding the furniture to avoid inhaling dust.
Be patient and take your time when stripping and refinishing furniture.
If you are not sure how to do something, consult a professional.