How to Refinish Oak Chairs

Oak wood furniture adds an elegant touch to any home. Unfortunately, oak furniture can lose its finish from regular wear and tear and give your home a dull appearance. With a little time and effort, you can refinish your oak chairs and revitalize the look and feel of your home.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical stripper
• Paint brushes
• Putty knife
• Medium-grade steel wool
• Soft cloths
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Grain filler
• Sanding sealer
• Stain
• Polyurethane

Instructions

1. Remove the old finish on the oak chairs with the chemical stripper. Apply a thick coat of stripper with a clean brush, and allow the stripper to sit for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Scrape the old finish off the oak chair with the putty knife. Scrape with the grain of the wood until all of the old finish is removed.

3. Scrape any remaining bits of old finish off the oak chair with medium-grade steel wool.

4. Wipe the oak chairs with a damp cloth to clean the wood surface of any excess chemicals. Allow the wood to dry.

5. Sand the surface of the oak chairs with 220-grit sandpaper. Take your time to ensure the entire piece is smooth and free of the old finish.

6. Apply the grain filler with a clean brush. Oak has open grain that must be filled to achieve an even finish. Remove any excess grain filler with the putty knife. Allow the grain filler to dry and lightly sand the wood with the 220-grit sandpaper until the oak chair is smooth.

7. Apply a heavy coat of sanding sealer to the surface of the oak chair with a clean brush. This will ensure the new finish absorbs evenly into the wood. Wipe off any excess sealer with a clean cloth and allow the oak chair to dry. Lightly sand the oak chair with the 220-grit sandpaper.

8. Apply an even coat of stain to the oak chair with a clean brush. Allow the first coat of stain to dry. Apply further coats to create a darker finish.

9. Apply a thin coat of polyurethane to the surface of the oak chair. This will seal the wood and protect it from moisture. Allow the initial coat to dry, and sand the oak chair with the 220-grit sandpaper. Apply several more thin coats and sand in between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• As oak is a dense wood, it's best to use a water-based stain.

• Soak the steel wool in chemical stripper prior to use in order to remove stubborn spots of old finish.

• Work in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves and eye protection.

Resources

• Refinishing Furniture