How to Refinish Hard Wood
Refinishing hard wood is a way in which a person can make a home or piece of furniture more appealing. Refinishing hard wood is a takes some time and patience but the results are well worth the effort. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hand held electric sander
- Wood stain
- Old rags
- Light and heavy sandpaper
- Polyurethane finish
Instructions
-
Instructions
-
1
Check the hardwood for any nails, staples or tacks (as these can rip the sandpaper). If any nails are sticking out either pound them down or remove them.
-
2
Make sure you have a different grades of sandpaper ranging from, 60, 80, 100, to 120 grit.
-
-
3
Attach the heaviest grade of sandpaper to the electric sander (60 grit).
-
4
Run the sander over the wood, making sure you move with the grain. Make sure the sander is moved in straight and even strokes. Do not sand against the grain of the wood.
-
5
Sand the wood until the entire area has been gone over, making sure that the wood is even and smooth.
-
6
Remove the 60 grit sandpaper and now clip on the 80 grit sandpaper, and go over the entire surface again until evenly sanded.
-
7
Continue switching out the heavier sandpaper with lighter until you have reached the 120 grit sandpaper and the wood is even and smooth.
-
8
Open the wood stain and take the old rag and dip it in the wood stain.
-
9
Evenly apply the wood stain to the hardwood until it is completely covered in stain.
-
10
Once the wood is completely stained let it sit and dry. If latex based wood stain allow to dry for 2 to 3 hours. If the wood stain is oil based allow it to sit and dry for 24 hours.
-
11
Once the stain is completely dry take the polyurethane finish and stir it up. Do not shake, because this will create air bubbles that will appear when the finish dries.
-
12
Evenly apply the polyurethane finish with a roller or brush, making sure to go with the grain of the wood.
-
13
Allow the finish to dry (normally takes about 3 hours depending on brand being used)
-
14
Add a second coat of finish and allow to dry.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When sanding make sure you wear a protective mask.
Make sure when using wood stain and polyurethane finish to be in a well ventilated area.
