How to Refinish Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is built to last — but over time, scratches, fading, and worn finishes can make even quality pieces look tired. The good news? Refinishing wood furniture is a straightforward DIY project that can completely transform a piece. Here's how to do it right.

What You'll Need

• Chemical stripper: Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
• Sandpaper: 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
• Water-based stain: General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain, Natural
• Oil-based 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: Identify Your Wood Type

Different wood species absorb stain differently. Open-grain woods like oak and ash absorb stain deeply and show dramatic color. Close-grain woods like maple and cherry absorb less and may require a wood conditioner for even results. Knowing your wood type helps you choose the right products and technique.

Step 2: Disassemble the Piece

Remove drawers, doors, hardware, and any upholstered elements. Working on individual components is much easier than trying to refinish an assembled piece.

Step 3: Strip the Old Finish

Apply Citristrip with an old brush and let it work for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Scrape off the softened finish with a plastic scraper, then clean the surface with mineral spirits. For intricate carvings, use a toothbrush or brass brush to get into the details.

Step 4: Sand Progressively

Begin with 80-grit sandpaper to level the surface, then move to 120-grit, 150-grit, and finally 220-grit for a silky-smooth finish. Use the DEWALT orbital sander on flat panels and sanding sponges on curved or detailed areas. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.

Step 5: Clean Thoroughly

Vacuum all dust, then wipe down every surface with a tack cloth. Even fine dust particles can ruin a smooth finish, so be thorough.

Step 6: Choose and Apply Your Stain

For a natural, light finish, use General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in Natural. For a richer, darker look, go with Minwax Dark Walnut. Apply with a staining pad, let it penetrate for 5–15 minutes, then wipe off the excess. Allow to dry completely before applying a second coat.

Step 7: Seal with Topcoat

Apply 2–3 thin coats of General Finishes High Performance Topcoat using a foam brush. Sand lightly with 220-grit between coats. The topcoat protects the stain and gives the piece its final sheen.

Step 8: Reassemble

Once fully cured, reattach hardware, drawers, and doors. Your wood furniture is now refinished and ready to enjoy for years to come.

Pro Tips

• Always test stain color on a hidden area or scrap piece of the same wood first.
• For blotch-prone woods like pine or maple, apply a wood conditioner before staining.
• Water-based products dry faster and have lower odor; oil-based products penetrate deeper.
• Keep your workspace dust-free — even a small particle can create a bump in your finish.