How to Refinish Wood Furniture

Follow these simple steps on how to refinish wood furniture that include stripping, sanding and staining.

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
By: Samantha Pattillo

Related To:

If you have a piece of wooden furniture you really like, or a tired thrift-store find with loads of potential, give it new life with a fresh coat of stain. Refinishing is an easy, low-cost way to bring out natural beauty in wood furniture and make fine details shine.

After clear coating, let your finished piece fully cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 24 hours before use. Your options for staining are limitless. No matter what color you choose, youâ  ll give new life to an old piece of furniture.

After clear coating, let your finished piece fully cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 24 hours before use. Your options for staining are limitless. No matter what color you choose, you’ll give new life to an old piece of furniture.

Materials + Tools

  • CitriStrip Paint and Varnish Stripper
  • Scott Shop Towels
  • tack cloth
  • mineral spirits
  • oil-based stain
  • staining pads
  • spray-on clear coat
  • scraper tool
  • palm sander and pads
  • sandpaper or sanding block
  • safety gear -- goggles, dust mask, etc.

Step 1: Apply Stripper

For small projects, aerosol spray paint stripper is really convenient because it’s easy to control and won’t spill. Spray the stripper evenly over the surface and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll see the old finish start to lift up off the wood.

Step 2: Remove Old Finish

Use a scraper tool to remove the old finish. Wipe the blade with a disposable shop cloth between scrapes. You may have to apply stripper and scrape more than once in order to remove the majority of the old finish.

Next use your scraper tool to remove the old finish. Wipe the blade with a disposable shop cloth between scrapes. You may have to apply stripper and scrape more than once in order to remove the majority of the old finish. Once youâ  re done stripping and the surface is dry, wipe with mineral spirits using a clean cloth to remove any residual stripper. Allow the table to fully dry before moving on to sanding.

Next use your scraper tool to remove the old finish. Wipe the blade with a disposable shop cloth between scrapes. You may have to apply stripper and scrape more than once in order to remove the majority of the old finish. Once you’re done stripping and the surface is dry, wipe with mineral spirits using a clean cloth to remove any residual stripper. Allow the table to fully dry before moving on to sanding.

Step 3: Clean With Mineral Spirits

Once you’re done stripping and the surface is dry, wipe with mineral spirits using a clean cloth to remove any residual stripper. Allow the table to dry fully before moving on to sanding.

Next use your scraper tool to remove the old finish. Wipe the blade with a disposable shop cloth between scrapes. You may have to apply stripper and scrape more than once in order to remove the majority of the old finish. Once youâ  re done stripping and the surface is dry, wipe with mineral spirits using a clean cloth to remove any residual stripper. Allow the table to fully dry before moving on to sanding.

Next use your scraper tool to remove the old finish. Wipe the blade with a disposable shop cloth between scrapes. You may have to apply stripper and scrape more than once in order to remove the majority of the old finish. Once you’re done stripping and the surface is dry, wipe with mineral spirits using a clean cloth to remove any residual stripper. Allow the table to fully dry before moving on to sanding.

Step 4: Sand Smooth

To remove the last bits of finish, use a palm sander with medium-grit sandpaper (about 150-grit) until you see the bare wood. Then switch to fine sandpaper (200+ grit) until the entire piece is uniform.

To remove those last bits of finish, palm sand with medium sandpaper (150 grit) until you see the bare wood. Then switch to fine sandpaper (200+ grit) until the entire piece is uniform. Wipe down the whole surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding.

To remove those last bits of finish, palm sand with medium sandpaper (150 grit) until you see the bare wood. Then switch to fine sandpaper (200+ grit) until the entire piece is uniform. Wipe down the whole surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding.

Step 5: Remove Sanding Residue

Wipe down the whole surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding.

To remove those last bits of finish, palm sand with medium sandpaper (150 grit) until you see the bare wood. Then switch to fine sandpaper (200+ grit) until the entire piece is uniform. Wipe down the whole surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding.

To remove those last bits of finish, palm sand with medium sandpaper (150 grit) until you see the bare wood. Then switch to fine sandpaper (200+ grit) until the entire piece is uniform. Wipe down the whole surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding.

Step 6: Apply Stain

Staining is easiest to do with a staining pad. Dip the pad in the stain and wipe it on using long, even strokes.

Step 7: Remove Excess Stain

Then use a clean wiping cloth to remove excess stain. Wipe lightly with the grain to avoid streaking. You’ll need to apply multiple coats until you like the color. Keep following the same process but be sure to let the stain dry between coats so you can gauge what it looks like before deciding whether to add another coat.

Then use a clean wiping cloth to remove excess stain. Wipe lightly with the grain to avoid streaking. Youâ  ll need to apply multiple coats until you like the color. Keep following the same process but be sure to let the stain dry between coats so you can gauge what it looks like before deciding whether to add another coat.

Then use a clean wiping cloth to remove excess stain. Wipe lightly with the grain to avoid streaking. You’ll need to apply multiple coats until you like the color. Keep following the same process but be sure to let the stain dry between coats so you can gauge what it looks like before deciding whether to add another coat.

Step 8: Apply Clear Coat

Once your last coat of stain is totally dry, apply an oil-based clear coat for a final layer of sheen and protection. Spray-on clear coat is easy to use and provides great coverage. Spray with a nice even motion following the natural lines of the piece. Apply two coats, sanding in between with 200-grit or higher sandpaper after the first coat is dry. This technique will smooth any imperfections from your first coat and give you a pro-grade finish. Then spray on a final layer.

Once your last coat of stain is totally dry, apply an oil-based clear coat for a final layer of sheen and protection. Spray-on clear coat is easy to use and provides great coverage. Spray with a nice even motion following the natural lines of the piece. Apply two coats, sanding in between with 200 grit or higher sandpaper after the first coat is dry. This technique will smooth any imperfections from your first coat and give you a pro grade finish. Then spray on a final layer.

Once your last coat of stain is totally dry, apply an oil-based clear coat for a final layer of sheen and protection. Spray-on clear coat is easy to use and provides great coverage. Spray with a nice even motion following the natural lines of the piece. Apply two coats, sanding in between with 200 grit or higher sandpaper after the first coat is dry. This technique will smooth any imperfections from your first coat and give you a pro grade finish. Then spray on a final layer.

Step 9: Let Dry

After clear coating, let your finished piece cure fully in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 24 hours before use. Your options for staining are limitless. No matter what color you choose, you’ll give new life to an old piece of furniture.

Itâ  s easy to bring out the beauty of wood furniture with a new finish. Stain highlights the grain and lets the details of your wood furniture shine through.

It's easy to bring out the beauty of wood furniture with a new finish. Stain highlights the grain and lets the details of your wood furniture shine through.

More Advice on Refinishing

How to Refinish a Dining Room Table

Easily refinish a dated or worn dining room table to give it a fresh look.

How to Refinish an Antique Bookcase

Our instructions and tips make it easy to give new life to an old bookshelf.

Next Up

How to Refinish Acacia Wood Outdoor Furniture

A more budget-friendly option to pricey teak, acacia wood outdoor furniture is easy to find — and easy to love — thanks to the wood's rich honey-hued finish when new. But over time, acacia wood weathers to a dull, splotchy look with a rough texture. Give your old, weathered outdoor furniture a smooth, like-new finish with our acacia wood refinishing tips.

How to Refinish a Table

Easily refinish a dated or worn wood table to give it a fresh look.

How to Make a Wooden Blanket Ladder

This easy blanket ladder project is the perfect handmade accessory for storing and displaying quilts and throws.

How to Refinish Hardwood Floors

It takes some elbow grease to refinish hardwood floors, but it's worth it. Hardwood floors add value to your home and provide a classic look that goes with any style.

This Woodworking Couple Gives New Life to Salvaged Wood With Custom Furniture

Get to know the makers behind the sustainable, Tacoma woodworking studio Birdloft. Then shop our favorite custom-made pieces.

How to Restore a Wooden Bowl

Antique wooden dough bowls, salad bowls and cutting boards can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Learn how to refinish vintage wooden bowls to make them food-safe, and how to keep them properly maintained.

How to Whitewash Wood: Whitewashing and Pickling Techniques

Easily brighten and add rustic charm to furniture and a variety of wood surfaces with these budget-friendly whitewashing and pickling techniques.

How to Paint a Wooden Outdoor Barn Quilt

Looking to add color and style to your porch or patio? Check out how easy it is to make a decorative quilt barn to hang in your outdoor or indoor space.

Resurfacing Kitchen Counters

What's the difference between resurfacing and refinishing kitchen counters? HGTV has the answer.

Can You Paint Over Stain?

Yes, you can paint over stained wood with the right prep and the right type of paint. Learn how to figure out the best method and type of paint for your project then get step-by-step instructions and tips from the pros.

What's New in Handmade

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.