How to Refinish Furniture

Refinishing furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle. Whether you have a thrift store find, a family heirloom, or a piece that's simply seen better days, refinishing can restore it to its former glory — or give it a completely new look. This guide walks you through every step of the process.

What You'll Need

• Chemical stripper (we recommend Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel)
• Sandpaper assortment (Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set, 120–5000 grit)
• Orbital sander (DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander)
• Sanding sponges (Romeda 8-Pack Sanding Sponge)
• Tack cloth (Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack)
• Wood stain (Minwax Wood Finish, Dark Walnut)
• Topcoat (General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, Satin)
• Foam brushes (Bates Foam Paint Brushes, 16-Pack)
• Staining pads (Trimaco Super Tuff Staining Pad, 12-Pack)
• Drop cloth (GREEN LIFESTYLE Canvas Drop Cloth, 4x12)

Step 1: Assess the Piece

Before you start, examine the furniture carefully. Is it solid wood, veneer, or MDF? Solid wood can be sanded aggressively; veneer requires a gentler touch. Check for structural issues like loose joints or broken parts — fix these before refinishing.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

Wipe down the entire piece with a damp cloth to remove dust, grease, and grime. For sticky residue, use a mild degreaser. Let it dry completely before moving on.

Step 3: Strip the Old Finish

Apply Citristrip generously with an old brush. Let it sit for 30 minutes to several hours depending on the thickness of the finish. Use a plastic scraper to remove the softened finish, working with the grain. Wipe clean with mineral spirits.

Step 4: Sand the Surface

Start with 80-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining finish and level the surface. Progress through 120-grit, then 150-grit, and finish with 220-grit for a smooth surface. Use the DEWALT orbital sander for flat surfaces and sanding sponges for curves and details. Always sand with the grain.

Step 5: Remove Dust

Use a vacuum to remove sanding dust, then wipe the entire surface with a tack cloth. This step is critical — any remaining dust will show up under your finish.

Step 6: Apply Stain

Apply Minwax Wood Stain with a staining pad or foam brush, working with the grain. Let it penetrate for 5–15 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. Apply a second coat for deeper color if desired. Allow to dry fully per the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 7: Apply Topcoat

Protect your work with General Finishes High Performance Topcoat. Apply thin, even coats with a foam brush, lightly sanding with 220-grit between coats. Two to three coats will give you a durable, professional finish.

Step 8: Reassemble and Enjoy

Once the final coat is fully cured (usually 24–48 hours), reassemble any hardware or drawers. Place the piece back in your home and enjoy your beautifully refinished furniture!

Tips for Success

• Always work in a well-ventilated area, especially when using chemical strippers.
• Wear gloves and eye protection throughout the process.
• Lay down a drop cloth to protect your floors.
• Test your stain on an inconspicuous area or scrap wood first.
• Patience is key — rushing drying times leads to poor results.