| Before you haul your dated dresser or beat-up | | | | liquid strippers only work for horizontal refinishing. |
| dining room chairs to the curb, consider this: In as | | | | Make sure to wear safety gloves and eye |
| little as a couple of hours you can give your | | | | protection, and only apply strippers in a room with |
| sturdy furnishings a facelift. Refinishing furniture is | | | | proper ventilation. An old paintbrush works best |
| more economical than purchasing new | | | | for applying strippers or refinishers. |
| items-besides, why toss out a well-built piece of | | | | Leave chemical strippers on for as long as the |
| furniture just because it's in need of an update? | | | | manufacturer directions recommend. When the |
| If you're bringing an old chair or end table that's in | | | | stripper or refinisher is dry, remove as much of it |
| good shape in from the garage, cleaning the | | | | as possible with a putty knife or scraper with |
| surface with mineral spirits or oil soap may be all | | | | round edges (be careful not to gouge the wood!). |
| that's needed to freshen it up. You can revive | | | | Steel wool is handy for taking care of |
| unpainted wood furniture with furniture polish; to | | | | hard-to-remove patches, although in some cases |
| tackle nicks, use grain filler sticks that match the | | | | you may have to apply another layer of stripper |
| color of the wood. | | | | to completely clean leftover spots. |
| When minor touchups won't do or you want to | | | | Clean and sand. |
| change the appearance of an item, it may be | | | | Once all of the stripper or refinisher has been |
| time to strip and refinish or paint the furnishing. | | | | removed, clean the furniture and allow it to dry. |
| Here are some pointers for each stage of the | | | | Sand the wood gently with fine sandpaper so it's |
| refinishing process. | | | | smooth to the touch. |
| Prepare for stripping. | | | | Apply stain. |
| Cover the floor with cloth and newspapers to | | | | Wearing protective gloves, use a brush or a rag |
| ensure strippers and stains won't damage the | | | | to stain the furnishing. Apply the first layer with a |
| surface. Remove any knobs, hardware, or | | | | light hand; you can always add more coats if |
| cushions from the item you're refinishing. Fill in any | | | | necessary. |
| deep scratches or dings. | | | | If your furnishings have intricate details, you may |
| Strip the old finish. | | | | wish to dip the object in a liquid stain bath instead. |
| The fastest way to remove an old finish is to use | | | | This isn't a DIY project, but it ensures great |
| a chemical stripper, although furniture refinishers | | | | coverage and a beautiful finish so it may be |
| are a gentler option. Another possibility for | | | | worth the cost. Find a local furniture refinishing pro |
| completely removing a furniture finish is to | | | | who can dip furniture for you. |
| combine equal parts paint thinner and lacquer | | | | Or forgo the stain altogether and paint instead. |
| thinner. | | | | Top with a finish. |
| If you opt for a chemical remover, select one | | | | To protect your hard work and keep your |
| that's not too harsh or you'll cause more problems | | | | furniture looking attractive, apply an oil or |
| than good. Look for chemical strippers labeled "no | | | | polyurethane finish or varnish after the stain dries. |
| cleanup" or "will wash away with water" to | | | | Once the finish dries, your like-new furnishing is |
| minimize messes. Thick strippers such as gel or | | | | ready to use! |
| paste are best for refinishing vertical surfaces; | | | | |