How to Refinish Antique Wood

Nothing is quite as rewarding as restoring a cherished piece of antique furniture. Rather than having the job done by a professional, you can refinish your antique wood at home. All it takes are some simple supplies, time, and a well-ventilated work area.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stripping compound
• Brush with soft bristles
• Light grade steel wool pad
• Soft cloths, such as cotton or chamois
• Mild cleaning agent, such as oil soap
• Stain or finishing solution
• Sealant or lacquer
• Rubber gloves
• Screwdriver
• Dropcloth

1. Place the antique piece on the dropcloth. Clean the exterior paint or finish on the wood. For painted pieces, clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water, then allow the piece to dry. For wood that is sealed and stained, gently clean with oil soap, then dry with a soft cloth immediately.

2. Remove any hardware, such as hinges or handles. This can be cleaned and reattached later, or replaced with new ones if they are damaged or not considered attractive to the owner of the wood piece.

3. Apply the stripping compound or gel. The idea here is to completely remove the paint or sealant layer so you can address the wood in its most pristine state. Make sure to follow the directions on the compound, and do not leave on the wood surface longer than recommended.

4. Assess the condition of the piece after removing the stripping gel or compound according to product instructions. Depending on the product, a second coating of the stripping agent may be required. Once you are satisfied the old finish and seal is removed, apply a fresh coat of stain or finishing product to the piece, using even strokes of the cloth or brush, as recommended by the product manufacturer.

5. Apply the protective sealant or lacquer once the seal is set. Make sure to apply with brush strokes moving in the direction of the wood grain. Do not use back and forth strokes. Allow the sealant to cure based on the instructions that come with the product.

Tips & Warnings

• If the restoration process is such that you wish to keep the imperfections that often give an antique piece added character, consider simply cleaning the antique wood thoroughly with oil soap after removing any paint from the surface.
• Always use strippers, sealants, and lacquers according to the instructions that come with the product. This will help enhance the chances that you will be happy with the results.
• Never refinish any product in a closed environment. Choose a well-ventilated location for your project, such as a covered porch or patio area, or a garage that can be opened for cross ventilation.
• Always wear rubber gloves when working with strippers and sealants. The chemicals in these products can be damaging to the skin.