A Guide to Refinishing Furniture

With the growing interest in DIY refinishing projects, you might also have older furniture that you plan to update yourself. It is not all that easy to make your furniture look brand new. However, learning the basics can speed up the process.

Furniture refinishing can be fun and fulfilling. On top of that, it can save you a lot of money. Why would you buy overpriced furniture from big companies when you can make something by yourself?

Ask yourself the following questions before you start refinishing any piece of furniture?

  • Does the piece have chipping paint?
  • Does it have extensive damage in the form of marks, scrapes, and more?
  • Did it undergo discoloration from sun exposure?
  • Is the original topcoat peeling off or flaking?
  • Are there stains or watermarks on the surface?

If you said yes to at least one of them, take it as a sign that a refinishing job is in order!

First, choose a style for the piece. If it needs paint, scuff up its surface with a sandpaper of 120 grit before applying primer and paint. For staining, sand it down until you see the raw wood material. You may also need to use a putty knife, stripper, and steel wool.

Avoid overcoating paint, stain, finish, and the like. This will complicate the process, so be patient. Always read the product directions before using them. YouTube videos also let you see how other people do it.

Lastly, regularly cleaning the refinished piece will make it last longer. We recommend setting a schedule and doing this with a microfiber rag and Swiffer duster to see the best results.

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