Learning how to refinish wood furniture can bring your piece back to life instead of needing to replace it.
Furniture refinishing rarely costs muchit’s mainly about devoting enough time and patience to this exacting.
These paint strippers are effective for removing paint, epoxy, and polyurethane from wood.
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Solvents can come in either liquid or gel form.
Use liquid solvents on the horizontal surfaces of wood pieces and use gels on vertical surfaces to prevent dripping.
What Is Stripping Wood?
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Stripping wood is the process by which the finish is removed from wood furniture.
This finish might be a stain, varnish, or paint.
Always wear an N95 respirator and waterproof gloves when working with these chemicals.
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Begin with lower gauge grits and work up to grits in the #220 and #320 range.
With a plastic spreader tool, spread the grain filler to the wood, much likeskim-coatinga wall.
After the filler has dried, gently sand it down with #320 grit sandpaper until it is smooth.
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This can be done with soapy water and a dry towel.
If it just looks like it’s dull, proceed with the following steps.
If it needs stripping, follow the instructions above.
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Let sit overnight and remove in the morning to eliminate pesky white markings.
Use the straight edge of a razor to level the wood before applying the epoxy.
Let the epoxy harden before sanding and staining to match the existing wood.
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Work it onto the surface of the wood and then wipe with a clean cloth.
Use a wipe-on finish and apply in a circular motion, wiping off any excess.
Let sit overnight before use.
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Bypassing steps and incorrectly following directions can potentially cause damage to the furniture or lengthen the refinishing process.
Spend some time visualizing the finished project, researching, and paying attention to the process.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
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Not Cleaning the Surface
Before refinishing,clean wood furniture thoroughly.
You might find that all a piece needs after cleaning is retouching, not a full refinishing job.
Leaving spots will yield an uneven surface when you finally start finishing it.
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Remove the finish completely before sanding to get the surface ready for the new finish.
Check to see if it comes off easily before removing it.
Leave the stripper on longer if the old finish doesn’t come off easily.
Do this before sanding and staining.
This will assure a better finish.
Not Sanding Properly
Before you apply your stain, the surface should be smooth.
Otherwise, it may not accept the finish properly.
Proper sanding assures a smooth finish.
Use the right grit of sandpaper for the job.
Apply the product, and wait for the first coat to dry before continuing with the next one.
You will be able to find the instructions for the proper waiting time on your container.
Finally, stripping furniture is messy (as well as time-consuming!
you might bringvaluable, older solid wood piecesback to life with refinishing.
Lower-quality pieces of furniturethat are not made from solid wood are not great candidates for refinishing.
If you think you have a valuableantique or vintage piece, refinishing the piece could destroy its value.
Instead, consult an antique furniture restoration professional for advice.
Then you’ll need to purchase a new stain/paint that you’ll apply to the furniture to refinish it.
What You Should Know About Using Paint Strippers.U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact On Indoor Air Quality.United States Environmental Protection Agency
