Furniture Refinishing
Easy Update Without Home Remodeling



Furniture refinishing is a simple way to update your home without remodeling, or change some pieces of furniture that you don't otherwise like but can't afford to replace. Or perhaps you just love hunting for restorable furniture at yard sales and thrift stores, or have thought about taking up antique furniture refinishing as a hobby. Regardless, understanding the many benefits of refinishing furniture is useful!

Simply put, furniture refinishing involves making an old piece look like new again. There are some basic steps that are required. Whether you're refinishing or restoring a chair, table, cabinet, or even a hardwood floor, the process is much the same.

The first step in refinishing furniture is to remove all the old paint or stain. Many people prefer gel-based paint removers, although they can be found in liquid form as well. It is critical that you have adequate ventilation, and wear hand and eye protection during the stripping process. Apply the paint or stain remover gently, in the direction of the grain in a smooth, uniform motion. You can wipe off the excess remover in about half an hour, and then use a fine steel wool to finish off any stubborn areas.

Sanding is the next step, and is done to provide a uniform surface for the application of stain or new paint. Start with a large grit, followed by a medium, and then finish off with a fine one. Always sand in the direction of the grain and make sure you do a thorough job. Good sanding can make all the difference in the world to your final furniture refinishing project!

If there are scratches or other blemishes that you need to remove, fill them in with a wood filler, followed by some light sanding. Next, it's time to apply paint or stain. Generally, you'll need to apply a primer first to allow the wood to fully absorb the paint or stain. After the primer dries completely, you can apply several coats of paint or stain, allowing time for thorough drying between coats.

Finally, finish your piece de resistance with several coats of oil based polyurethane to create a lasting durability and a gleaming shine. If you prefer a softer surface, there are also matte finishes available.

Understanding and carefully following careful furniture refinishing procedure can help you turn an old, ratty piece into an absolute treasure! Refinishing furniture is definitely worth your time. Learn how today.



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