How to Restain Old Wood

Old wood needs special care.

Old wood has a charm all its own. Weathered surfaces have scuff marks and scratches in places where old stain has been rubbed or worn away. Antiques are often prized for their wear as well as their craftsmanship--it's considered part of their "provenance." If you've decided to restain old wood, prepare the surface carefully, choose the new stain well and use the proper tools. Old wood may never again look like new, but it will look fresh and cared-for when you're finished.

Things You'll Need

• Tarp
• Rubber gloves
• Paintbrush
• Old rags
• Stripper
• Water
• Fine-grade steel wool
• Denatured alcohol
• Damp cloth
• Stain
• Nylon paintbrush
• Polyurethane (optional)

Instructions

Remove Old Finish

1. Lay down a tarp in a ventilated work area to catch drippings. Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin.

2. Brush the surface liberally with stripper according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the stripper to work until the old finish bubbles up and loosens.

3. Wipe old finish and stripper away with old rags. Rinse with water. Repeat this step until all of the old finish is removed.

4. Wipe the surface with denatured alcohol to remove any residue from the wood grain. Let dry. Examine the surface carefully for remaining marks from old stains and places where color varies widely.

5. Rub wear spots on the wood with fine-grade steel wool until they blend in with the rest of the surface. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove wood particles.

Restain the Surface

1. Wet the entire surface with a damp cloth. Take a digital picture, and go to the hardware store. Match the new stain color with the original wood.

2. Brush stain onto the surface with a stiff-bristled nylon paintbrush to work the stain into the crevices of open-grained, old wood. Work quickly, in long, smooth strokes.

3. Wipe down with a piece of cheesecloth before the stain sets to get a smooth, even distribution of color. Let it dry according to the stain manufacturer's instructions.

4. Go over the surface lightly with fine-grade steel wool. Repeat until you have a rich, smooth, even finish on your weathered wood.

5. Bag the tarp and rags until you can dispose of them properly. Be sure to keep them away from flames or excessive heat because chemical strippers are generally flammable.

Tips & Warnings

• Seal with a topcoat of matte or gloss polyurethane to protect the surface from water stains and scuff marks if appropriate.

• Dispose of anything that has come in contact with toxic chemicals according to the guidelines for hazardous materials where you live.

References

• Boston Architectural College: The Color of Materials--Wood
• Utah State University: Sealing, Staining and Filling
• Michigan State University: Exterior Finishes for Wood

Resources

• Utah State University: Cleaning, Repairing and Reconditioning Wood Furniture
• University of Kentucky: Removing an Old Finish from Wood