How to Refinish and Restore Antique Furniture

Some antiques should be left alone and simply cleaned a bit to maintain their value. However, if refinishing is desired to restore the antique, this article will help to explain the basic process of antique furniture restoration.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint/Varnish Remover
• Lacquer Thinner
• Paint scraper
• Steel wool (fine, med, and course)
• Sandpaper (fine, med, course)
• Orbital sander (optional)
• Wood stain
• Sanding Sealer
• Varnish or Poly
• EYE & HAND PROTECTION
• Cheese cloth
• Bristle brush
• Screw drivers
• Rags

1. 
   Dissassembled, stripped, sanded chair parts

   Disassemble the antique furniture including any parts that can easily be removed without damaging the piece(s).

2. IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AND WITH HAND AND EYE PROTECTION...Apply the paint remover to small, workable sections (about 1 square foot) of the antique furniture piece and allow to penetrate finish for about 10 minutes. Then use the scraper to remove the finish. It will usually take 2 or three applications to remove it all. Continue this process over the entire surface. Don't worry about getting it all out of the curves and nooks as this will be accomplished in the next step.

3. IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AND WITH HAND AND EYE PROTECTION...Using the course steel wool this time, again tackle small workable areas by applying the remover and, after allowing penetration, removing remaining finish. Continue until the entire piece is done.

4. Use the lacquer thinner and a combination of medium steel wool and rags to clean any remaining finish from the antique piece. This step will also neutralize the wood from the chemicals in the remover and ensure adhesion for the new finish

5. 
   Sanded and ready for staining

   The next step is the sanding. While this can be done by hand, working WITH the grain and progressing from course to fine sandpaper, a Random Orbit sander really works best. These can be purchased for under $100 at any Home Depot or Lowes and I recommend either Dewalt or Porter Cable machines. Regardless of hand or machine, be sure to progress from course to fine and either way, some hand sanding will need to be done to get at all surfaces. Thoroughly clean the piece with a vacuum cleaner.

6. Apply several coats of stain (Minwax makes excellent stain in a variety of colors) using a brush and wiping off excess with the cheesecloth. Several thin coats will look much "deeper" than one heavy coat.

7. Apply a coat of sanding sealer to seal the grain and stained surface and allow to dry thoroughly. After it has dried, LIGHTLY sand the entire surface with fine sandpaper BEING CAREFUL NOT TO SAND THROUGH THE SEALER AND INTO THE STAINED WOOD. Vacuum the entire piece and wipe down with tack cloth.

8. 
   Finished product

   Apply two coats of either varnish or Poly, being sure to lightly sand, clean, and tack cloth between coats. Be sure to apply light, even coats and check for "runs".

Tips & Warnings

• Patience! This is tedious, but rewarding work!
• Test the color of the stain on the back of the piece before staining.
• WELL VENTILATED AREA
• EYE AND HAND PROTECTION

[sonni57]

on 3/11/2009 I used to restore and finish antique furniture but had to quit I ran out of time.

[Miri]

on 1/14/2009 Good informative article. thanks

[WordWhizKid]

on 1/3/2009 Thanks for the clear, step-by-step instructions, this is very helpful! I didn't know where to begin on this!

[sneedc]

on 12/17/2008 I've seen some nice pieces out at antique stores, but wasn't sure how to do this; maybe I'll give it a whirl now that you've taught me! thanks

[Gem4544]

on 12/16/2008 Great tips! this article is really helpful. thanks!