How to Refinish Chairs

Refinishing Chairs

Refinishing furniture gives a level of reward that is hard to describe. The process can be lengthy, but not laborious. Remember to let the stripper do the work and you will save yourself a lot of elbow grease. Be certain to wear protective clothing and gloves as strippers can cause skin injury. Read the label on the stripper container to learn all the safety precautions needed.

Things You'll Need

• Stripper Paint brush Putty knife Metal container Soft clean cloth Toothpicks Steel wool

Instructions

1. Apply the stripper with the paintbrush at the highest point of the chair. For example, if the chair back is part of the chair needing stripping, this would be the place to begin. Remember to allow the stripper to do the work for you.

2. Remove the stripper at the appropriate time with the putty knife. Place the used stripper in the metal container. Clean the area of the chair where the stripper was with a damp cloth to reveal if a second coat of stripper is needed. If so, repeat these two steps until the stripped area is to your liking.

3. Remove the stripper from fine grooves with the toothpicks. Clean the end of the toothpick after every stroke.

4. Apply some stripper to the steel wool and use circular motions to remove stubborn paint or varnish from flat surfaces. Swirl the steel wool and then clean the area with a damp cloth. You may have to repeat this several times depending on how many coats of paint or varnish need to be removed.

5. Work your way down the chair using the method described in Steps 1 through 4. After the last cleaning with a damp cloth, allow the furniture to dry thoroughly. Sand the wood with 150-200 grit sandpaper. Before applying finish, clean all the sanding dust from the wood with a damp cloth.

6. Apply stain or paint according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply sealer in thin coats sanding with steel wool between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to allow the stripper to do the work. Cleaning the area often will help keep the fumes to a minimum. You may need to strip grooves more times than the rest of the chair.

• Do not put used stripper in Styrofoam or plastic as it may burn holes in them and leak onto the floor. Do not allow children in the area where stripper is being used. Never use stripper without proper ventilation.

Resources

• How to Remove/Strip Paint Refinish Furniture
• Furniture Refinishing 1-10