How to Restore Old Wood

By refinishing old wood you can restore its appearance.

Over a period of many years, wood can suffer from moisture, heat, and regular wear and tear. When old wood becomes worn it must be refinished in order to restore its appearance. By sanding your old wood and then applying a new finish, you can restore old wood pieces to their original beauty.

Things You'll Need

• Sanding sealer
• Stain
• Polyurethane
• 120-grit sandpaper
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Brush
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Sand the old wood with 120-grit sandpaper until any remains of old finish and grime is removed. Wipe the old wood clean with a cloth.

2. Sand the old wood a second time with 220-grit sandpaper until the surface of the wood is sanded smooth. Wipe the wood clean with a cloth.

3. Brush a heavy coat of sanding sealer onto the wood and allow it to soak into the wood for a few minutes. This will prime the wood for the new finish. Wipe off excess sealer with a clean cloth and allow the wood to dry. Lightly sand the wood with 220-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean.

4. Brush a coat of stain onto the wood with a clean brush. Allow the stain to absorb into the wood for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Wipe excess stain off with a cloth and let the stain dry.

5. Apply a thin coat of polyurethane to the wood with a clean brush. Allow the first coat to dry and lightly sand the wood with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe the wood clean and brush a second coat of polyurethane on and allow it to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Sand and brush with the grain of the wood.

• Wear hand and eye protection

References

• Lowe's: How to Refinish Wood