Refinishing an older piece of furniture can be an extremely rewarding task. For a reasonable cost, you can restore a dresser, table, or other piece of furniture and breathe new life into it, adding charm and function to any room. However, knowing a few furniture refurnishing tips is important before you decide to start your own project.
Here’s what you need to know about making old furniture like new by refinishing it.
How to Know If You Should Refinish — Or Not
Refinishing old furniture works best on pieces that are dated but in decent condition. Be careful to inspect for a few things that may limit the results you can achieve on your piece. If your piece of furniture shows any of these signs, you may want to skip it and consider refinishing something else to get the best results.
- Cracks in Wood: The biggest value of your piece is in the quality of the wood. Cracks, rot, or splits can be impossible for a DIYer to properly repair.
- Loose Joints: Check for these — loose joints will only worsen with time and use.
- Uneven Legs: Make sure yours needs only refinishing, not full rebuilding. Legs of varying lengths lead to wobbling.
- Warped Surfaces: Sadly, you can’t fix existing moisture damage. Warping means the wood’s structure is compromised. However, you can remove some minor water stains with a few DIY treatments.
Before You Begin Refinishing
You’ll get the best possible results when you understand what type of finish the furniture currently has. Properly identifying your existing finish is crucial because using the wrong remover risks damaging your piece.
Study product labels and warnings, and test first on a small hidden area before stripping the entire surface.
Do the Cotton Ball Test
To identify the finish on your furniture, do the “cotton ball test”:
- Dampen a cotton ball with acetone nail polish remover.
- Choose an inconspicuous test spot on your piece and dab it with the cotton.
- If the cotton sticks or the finish softens, you have a varnish, lacquer, or shellac finish. You can remove these with a chemical stripper.
- If there’s no effect or it seems painted, you need a paint/poly remover. Closely read labels to get the right product.
Refinishing Steps
Stripping old finish lets you reveal the bare wood to create a fresh look. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
Once you know the current finish, carefully follow the remover directions. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a respiratory mask, and be sure to ventilate your workspace. Apply a thick coat of stripper with a chemical-resistant brush and wait for bubbling as chemicals penetrate the layers of the old finish.
Let the remover sit for the specified time to work fully. Reapply if needed, but be sure to avoid drips. Remember, taking the appropriate safety precautions is critical when handling harsh chemicals.
Gently scrape off the finish with a plastic scraper to avoid gouging the wood. Work slowly and carefully, and rinse the scraper often to remove buildup. It may take multiple applications to clear all traces of the old finish.
After stripping, wash off any chemical residue with remover wash or mineral spirits so the wood is fresh and bare. Let your piece dry fully before sanding since moisture raises the grain. Start sanding with 120 to 150 grit and sand with the wood grain. Wipe away all dust with a rag, and make sure the surface is pristine before staining.
Sand with increasingly finer paper, up to 220 grit or higher, and continue to go in the direction of the grain. Thoroughly remove every speck of dust after each grit. The wood should feel perfectly smooth and have a consistent sheen before applying the first coat of stain.
Follow label directions as you stain. Use a high-quality natural bristle brush to apply oil-based stain. Brush evenly with the grain and let the stain penetrate the bare wood. Longer penetration yields a richer, darker color. After letting it sit for around 15 minutes, wipe off the excess stain across the grain with a clean, lint-free rag. Wait four to six hours before adding a second coat for a darker hue.
Stir the clear finish well before applying; don’t shake it. Use a premium natural bristle brush designed for finishes to gently apply a thin, even coat.
Allow the finish to cure fully, then lightly sand with 220-grit paper to prep for the next coat. Apply a second smooth coat, let your piece dry thoroughly, and decide if you want additional coats. Make sure check to the label’s recommended cure time before using or moving the furniture.
The right finish helps safeguard the wood from wear, scrapes, heat, spills, and general wear and tear. Use a high-quality brush to apply thin, smooth coats. Lightly sand between coats with 220+ grit for optimal adhesion.
Safety Notes: Many refinishing products contain harsh chemicals. Work in a well-ventilated area, never smoke, and properly dispose of rags, which can combust. Rags soaked in stripper chemicals and certain oils generate heat as they oxidize, which can cause spontaneous combustion if not handled correctly. Allow rags to fully dry in an open space or soak in water before disposal.
So, Is Refinishing Old Furniture Worth It?
Refinishing vintage furniture can absolutely be worth the time and effort. You can end up with a unique, character-filled showpiece at a fraction of the cost of buying a new piece.
However, pieces with severe damage or structural flaws aren’t ideal candidates for DIY refinishing. Realistically assess your piece’s condition before starting any work. Furniture with pervasive cracks, splits, loose joints, or warping needs professional repair. Low-end furniture made with inferior construction often isn’t worth the effort, either.
Despite any cons, refinishing well-made furniture with moderate wear and tear can be extremely rewarding for DIYers willing to take their time and follow proper techniques.
Before you start your own DIY project, it’s also important to consider what not to do. For more information, check out our article on how to avoid dining table refinishing mistakes.
FAQs About Refinishing Furniture
What supplies do I need?
Have stripping chemicals and remover wash, various grit sandpaper, rags, brushes, plastic scraper, stain, finish, high-quality applicator brushes, and safety gear, including a mask, for any furniture refinishing projects.
How do I identify the existing finish?
Do the “cotton ball test.” Start by dabbing a hidden spot with acetone. If that area softens, it’s shellac, varnish, or lacquer. If it has no effect, it likely means that it’s paint. Always test first before applying remover.
Can I refinish outdoors?
It’s possible to refinish outdoors, but it’s also challenging. Tent off the area to control dust and chemicals, and work under a covered porch for easier cleanup. Monitor the weather closely if stripping furniture outside.
What’s the best way to strip old finish?
Use the correct stripper for the finish. Liberally apply it with a chemical-resistant brush and wait for it to fully penetrate. Gently scrape off with a plastic scraper, reapplying as needed. Take care not to gouge the wood.
How many coats of stain and finish should I use?
One to two coats of stain will typically suffice when refinishing furniture. Two finish coats provide good protection, but three is better for a more durable result. Closely follow label directions and lightly sand between coats for maximum adhesion.
