Easy Process Of Stripping & Re-staining Wood Furniture
Wood furniture ages and becomes dull. But if this occurs, you are not required to throw it away or sell it. Wood may be repaired and made to look exquisite once more with just a few straightforward actions. Therefore, instead of purchasing all new furniture, refinish any wood furniture that looks dated. Each piece of furniture is unique, and some may have finishes that are challenging to remove. It is certainly necessary to remove the original finish first if you intend to leave a piece of furniture natural and stain it afterwards.
Step 1: Choose A Work Area
Work in a space that is well-ventilated, such as your open garage or a deck or patio outside. Ensure that your workspace is dust- and moisture-free. To avoid any stains, tape a sizable drop cloth or tarp to the ground or floor using masking tape. Take out all hardware, doors, mirrors, and drawers.
Step 2: Strip Away Old Finish
- As wood ages, it starts to become dark, lifeless, and dull. This is especially true for older finishes, which are typically weaker than the modern, high-tech finishes. An older piece actually need more protection than a fresh one if you're working on one.
- By utilizing chemical strippers and/or sanding, you can get rid of loose varnish. Use a belt sander to quickly remove finishes from bigger areas. Make sure to avoid oversanding the piece at all costs. Hand sanding is used carefully around sections that have beautiful curves, such as turned table legs.
- Utilizing chemical strippers is a simpler approach. Check the manufacturer's instructions before using as the majority of chemical strippers require water to be added. Apply the solution uniformly all over the surface with a medium-sized paintbrush. Let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes, then use a plastic scraper or a putty knife with a smooth, rounded edge to remove the old finish. Because the surface might be delicate, use the scraper with caution to avoid damaging it. Allow the item to completely dry.
Step 3: Sand It
The less sanding you have to do, the more thorough the stripping process was. Start by sanding the wood with medium- or low-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining finish and smooth out any flaws. Then use medium-grit sandpaper to finish sanding the entire piece. Make sure to sand the wood with the grain. Do this carefully since any sanding swirls will show up when you stain.
Step 4: Apply Sanding Sealer
- Sanding sealer application resembles priming wood. The sealant lessens some timbers' propensity to collect stains unevenly. In order to cut down on the amount of finish applications required, sealer can also be used after staining. Use a small paintbrush to lightly wash the surface before wiping it clean with a cloth before applying the sanding sealer. Use a small- to medium-sized paintbrush to evenly apply two thin coats of sealer on the item after completely shaking the sealer can.
- Be careful not to let the sealer pool or fill in any decorative grooves. Before lightly sanding with medium-grit sandpaper in the direction of the grain, wipe up any excess sealer with a rag and let it dry fully. Use a fresh cloth to clean the spot.
Step 5: Stain It
- The color of the finished wood depends depend on the stain you apply. The disparities between various wood species that could be found in your furniture are lessened by staining. Oil-based stains have a strong smell yet can penetrate the wood without changing the grain. Water-based stains are easier to remove with soap and water and are more environmentally friendly. Never apply deck stain on furnishings.
- With a cloth or medium-sized paintbrush, apply a thin, even coat of stain, allowing it to soak into the wood. Apply a single coat for a light stain or more for a darker shade. Between coats, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand. With a clean cloth, remove any remaining stain, then let the item air dry completely.
Step 6: Apply Sealant
- Put polyurethane on the newly finished stain to seal it. Apply it in smooth, uniform strokes in the grain direction with a cloth or a small to medium-sized paintbrush. When applying, hold the brush vertically. Brushstrokes should overlap as you move on to the next space. So that there are no empty spaces, begin at a corner and gradually add more in a regular sequence. Allow it to dry completely (this typically requires a few hours).
- You might want to apply a few coats. After the final coat has dried, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper in between coats. To remove any dust and debris following sanding, use a brush or a towel to wipe the piece down. Next, apply a coat and allow it to dry.