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How to Refinish a Wood Surface Bar

Hubert Oresco

A wood bar is an excellent addition to any room in a home where guests are entertained—and adds a look and feel of conviviality that's sure to make guests feel comfortable. Regular wear and tear will dull the finish of a wood bar. Refinishing your wood bar will revitalize the look and feel of your home.

Tip

Whenever sanding be sure to sand with the grain of the wood. Work slowly with the putty knife to avoid damaging the wood's surface. Apply the polyurethane with long, even strokes to create a perfect finish.

Warning

Work in an area that's well-ventilated. Wear protective coverings on your hands, eyes, mouth and nose.

How to Refinish a Wood Surface Bar

  1. Remove the original finish from the surface of the wood bar by applying the chemical stripper with a brush.

  2. Wait for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer until the stripper peels away the original finish.

  3. Peel the old finish off the surface of the wood bar with the putty knife. Use the steel wool to scrub off difficult or hard-to-reach areas of the original finish.

  4. Sand the entire surface of the wood bar with 150-grit sandpaper until you've removed the last bits of the original finish. Sand the wood with the 220-grit sandpaper to create a smooth wood surface for finishing.

  5. Lay on a thick coat of sanding sealer with a clean brush to the wood bar. Allow the sealer to completely dry and sand the bar again with the 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the wood.

  6. Brush the initial coat of stain onto the surface of the wood bar. Work slowly to ensure you apply the stain evenly. Apply further coats of stain to create a finish dark enough to suit you.

  7. Apply a thin coat of polyurethane along the entire surface of the wood bar to protect the bar from moisture and grime. Allow this initial coat to dry, then sand the bar with the 220-grit sandpaper. Apply two more coats of polyurethane and sand in between application of these coats.

The Drip Cap

  • A wood bar is an excellent addition to any room in a home where guests are entertained—and adds a look and feel of conviviality that's sure to make guests feel comfortable.
  • Allow the sealer to completely dry and sand the bar again with the 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the wood.
  • Apply a thin coat of polyurethane along the entire surface of the wood bar to protect the bar from moisture and grime.