Got a hand-me-down piece of furniture that’s not exactly your style? Or a curbside treasure that needs a little TLC? Maybe there’s an antique piece you’d like to modernize, or a beloved piece that’s beginning to look worn. Whatever your furniture makeover goals, refinishing is an affordable approach.
Prep Work
Whether you’re going to re-paint or stain, the first step is always a good cleaning. A tack cloth and warm water mixed with dish soap is a simple way to go. Wipe away any dirt or sticky residue with the soapy towel, then rinse with a damp sponge. Lastly, dry the piece completely.
Next, you’ll want to inspect your furniture for damage, filling any mars or cuts with epoxy putty or wax filling compound. Once dry, remove excess filler with a fine grit sandpaper before proceeding.
Stripping
The most time-consuming part of furniture refinishing will be the removal of the original finish. Chemical strippers or sanding are both options for taking off old paint or varnish. Heat guns may be needed for difficult finishes.
Sanding
A power sander, which can be rented at some home supply stores if you don’t have your own, takes the intensity out of varnish removal. You will need to sand until the surface shine is mostly gone, and the piece is smooth. (This can be done by hand with course sandpaper, but will require far more time.) A medium-grit sandpaper can be used to finish removing any remaining patches of paint or stain.
Chemical Stripping
If you choose to apply chemical strippers (liquids, sprays or gels) instead of sanding furniture, you’ll need eye protection, rubber gloves, a stiff paint brush for application and a well-ventilated space in which to work.
After following the manufacturer stripping instructions, you will likely still need to sand any remaining bits of varnish, and multiple stripper applications may even be needed prior to that sanding.
Keep in mind, many online tutorials offer no-strip options, particularly with modern chalk paint products. The decision whether or not to invest the time involved in stripping depends upon your goals for the final look of your piece and the time you are willing to spend on the project.
Cleaning Part 2
If you elected to use a chemical stripper, a second cleaning will be required. Mineral spirits or turpentine may be used, but your product’s manufacturer will make recommendations, too. Once clean, allow the furniture to dry again.
Wood Sealing
It may be tempting to omit this step, but sealant better allows the new paint or stain to be evenly and smoothly applied. Before sealing, you’ll want to fill any imperfections or holes with a filler that is as close to your wood color as possible.
Then, you can apply sealant generously over the piece, wiping away excess with a clean cloth. A fine grit sandpaper can be used to smooth the surface once the piece is completely dry. Remove any dust with another clean cloth.
Painting/Staining
There are many available paint and stain styles and colors. Consider the space in which you plan to use the piece when determining which product is best suited. Some products are easier to apply, less likely to show mistakes and/or more likely to withstand use. Choosing the best new paint or stain for your piece may be harder than the actual application!
Manufacturers may suggest the best type brush for application. Once applied, allow to dry before applying another layer as needed.
Finishing
This step protects your newly painted piece, offering a safety layer from moisture or damage. As with the last step, there are a number of options — lacquer, oil and polyurethane, to name a few.
Your selected finish can be applied with a brush or cotton rag. Allow to dry, and apply another layer, if desired.
While refinishing furniture is less expensive than buying new, it will cost you in time. However, if you have a weekend to spare, it is the most cost-effective option to giving your space a new look. Upcycling a thrifted piece or making over an existing piece in your home is good for the environment and your wallet!
Source: www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-refinish-furniture/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90140efad1a.
Written by Angel Morris
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