How to Refinish Polyeurethane Wood

Refinishing wood can bring back the luster.

If a the polyurethane varnish is fading on a piece of wood furniture, it is time to refinish the wood. A homeowner can save money by refinishing wood cabinets rather than replacing them. For those who don't have experience with refinishing wood, polyurethane is a good choice because it is less likely to show mistakes than darker stains. Refinishing polyurethane wood takes a few days to complete because new polyurethane finish needs time to cure.

Things You'll Need

• Wood with an old polyurethane finish
• 100-grit sandpaper
• 150-grit sandpaper
• 200-grit sandpaper
• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Lint-free cloth
• Polyurethane
• Mineral spirits
• Paintbrush
• Razor
• 400-grit sandpaper
• Sanding block
• Water
• Automotive rubbing compound

Instructions

1. Sand the wood with 100-grit sandpaper until the old polyurethane finish has been removed. Sand the wood smooth with 150-grit sandpaper followed by 220-grit sandpaper.

2. Vacuum the wood with a brush attachment to remove the dust. Wipe the wood with a lint-free cloth.

3. Seal the wood by applying a mixture of one part polyurethane and two parts mineral spirits. Apply the mixture evenly along the grain of the wood with a paintbrush.

4. Brush a layer of polyurethane onto the wood using a paintbrush. Once the wood is coated, run the brush along the grain of the wood in long strokes to even out the coat. Allow the polyurethane to dry for 24 hours.

5. Apply the second of polyurethane to the wood. Let the second coat dry for 24 hours.

6. Shave away drips, blemishes or bumps with a razor. Do not dig into the surface of the polyurethane.

7. Wet-sand the surface of the polyurethane with 400-grit sandpaper and a sanding block. Dip the sandpaper into water and sand in a circular motion to remove blemishes.

8. Apply the last coat of polyurethane to the wood. Wait 48 hours for the finish to cure.

9. Polish the finish with a damp cotton cloth and automotive rubbing compound in a circular motion. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your work area has proper ventilation.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Apply Polyurethane
• Kitchen Cabinets and Hardware: Polyurethane Varnish