How To Refinish Your Wooden Furniture

DIY – Learn How To Refinish Your Wooden Furniture

What We're Writing About

Materials Needed:

Sandpaper (coarse, medium, and fine grits)
Orbital sander (optional, for larger pieces)
Wood stain or paint
Paintbrushes or foam brushes
Clean cloths or rags
Wood conditioner (optional, for softwoods)
Wood filler (for repairing dents or scratches)
Clear finish (polyurethane, varnish, or wax)
Tack cloth
Drop cloth or tarp
Screwdriver (if disassembling furniture)
Safety goggles, mask, and gloves

Easily Follow Along

1. Prepare the Workspace:

Set up a suitable workspace to refinish your furniture.

Choose a Well-Ventilated Area: Work in a well-ventilated space like a garage, workshop, or outdoors to avoid inhaling dust and fumes from sanding, staining, or painting.
Protect the Floor: Lay down a drop cloth or tarp to protect the floor from dust, stain, or paint.

2. Disassemble the Furniture (If Needed):

If the piece has removable parts, it’s easier to work on them separately.

Remove Hardware: Use a screwdriver to remove any hardware, such as knobs, handles, or hinges. Keep all screws and hardware in a labeled container for reassembly later.
Disassemble Parts: If possible, disassemble larger pieces (like drawers or table legs) to make sanding and refinishing easier.

3. Clean the Furniture:

Clean the furniture to remove any dirt, grime, or oils.

Wipe Down the Surface: Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe down the furniture, removing any dirt or grease. For sticky residue or stubborn spots, use a stronger cleaner but ensure it won’t damage the wood.
Dry Thoroughly: Allow the furniture to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

4. Sand the Furniture:

Sanding removes the old finish and smooths the surface for a new finish.

Choose the Right Sandpaper Grit: Start with a coarse grit (60-80) to remove old paint, stain, or finish. Move to medium grit (120-150) to smooth the surface and finish with fine grit (220) for a smooth finish.
Use an Orbital Sander (Optional): If you’re working on a larger piece, an orbital sander can speed up the process. For detailed areas, sand by hand.
Sand with the Grain: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to prevent scratches.
Clean Dust with a Tack Cloth: After sanding, use a tack cloth or a damp rag to remove all dust and debris from the surface.

5. Repair Any Damage:

Check the furniture for any dents, scratches, or holes that need repairing.

Fill Holes and Cracks: Use wood filler to fill any cracks, dents, or holes in the wood. Allow the filler to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sand Smooth: Once the filler is dry, sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper until smooth and level with the surrounding wood.

6. Apply Wood Conditioner (Optional):

A wood conditioner helps ensure an even stain, especially on softwoods like pine.

Apply Wood Conditioner: Use a brush or rag to apply the wood conditioner evenly across the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time.
Wipe Off Excess: Wipe off any excess conditioner with a clean cloth.

7. Stain or Paint the Furniture:

Choose a stain to highlight the wood grain or paint for a fresh look.

Apply the Stain: Using a clean cloth or brush, apply the stain evenly in the direction of the grain. Let it penetrate for the recommended time, then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
- Multiple Coats: For a darker finish, apply multiple coats, allowing adequate drying time between each coat.
Apply Paint (If Preferred): If you’re painting, use a primer first if needed. Apply paint evenly with a brush or roller, allowing it to dry completely between coats.
- Multiple Coats: For best results, apply at least two coats of paint, lightly sanding between coats with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.

8. Apply a Protective Finish:

Protect the newly refinished surface with a clear finish.

Choose a Finish: Polyurethane is durable and offers a clear coat, while wax provides a softer, natural finish. Choose based on the use of the furniture and your desired look.
Apply the Finish: Use a clean brush to apply the finish in thin, even coats. Follow the wood grain and avoid applying too thickly to prevent drips or bubbles.
- Multiple Coats: Apply two or more coats for durability, allowing ample drying time between coats. Lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish.

9. Reassemble the Furniture:

Once everything is dry, reassemble the furniture.

Reattach Hardware: Reattach any hardware, such as knobs, handles, or hinges, using a screwdriver.
Reassemble Parts: Put any disassembled parts back together carefully, ensuring all pieces fit snugly and securely.

10. Final Touches and Cleanup:

Finish up with some final touches.

Inspect for Flaws: Check for any missed spots or areas that need touch-up. Apply additional stain, paint, or finish as needed.
Clean the Workspace: Clean up your tools and workspace. Remove the drop cloth and dispose of or store used materials properly.