How to Refinish Your Furniture

It is an easy process once you learn how to refinish your furniture when you take the time to remove the old finish thoroughly from the surface. Make sure to refinish your furniture in a well-lit and ventilated area to protect yourself from dust and chemical fumes. Wear old clothes and protective gloves as the process can get messy. Stand back and admire the process as you transform your of furniture into a delightful treasure.

To refinish your furniture, you will need:

• Chemical stripper
• Lacquer thinner
• Denatured alcohol
• Rags
• Brushes
• 120 grit sand paper
• 220 grit sand paper
• Putty knife
• Pigmented grain filler
• Oil based stain
• Polyurethane sealer

1. Begin to refinish your furniture by removing the current finish with a chemical stripping agent. Apply the chemical stripper to a small area on the underside of the furniture to test the product and make sure it will not damage the wood.
2. Apply the chemical stripper to the entire chair once the test is completed. Leave the stripping agent on the wood for three to five minutes. Scrape the finish off with a putty knife once the finish begins to bubble.
3. Mix a lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol in even quantities and apply the mixture to the furniture. Scrub the wood with steel wool to remove residue left from the stripping process.
4. Sand the wood with a 120 grit sand paper once it is dry. Follow up by sanding the chair with a 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the wood.
5. Fill indentations in the furniture with a pigmented grain filler in a color that matches the wood. Let the filler dry and lightly sand it with a 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the area.
6. Place the chair in a well-ventilated area and apply an oil based stain in the desired color. Test a small area on the bottom of the furniture to make sure the color is correct.
7. Apply two coats of a polyurethane finish once the stain is completely dry. Use long strokes to achieve an even application. Sand the wood with a 220 grit sandpaper between each application.