The basic process is simple and knowing the purpose behind each step is as important as the knowing about the materials and tools. The first step is to remove the old finish. Next you can make any repairs you may want to do on the piece of furniture. Finally apply the new finish. It really is that simple and the result is a piece of furniture that looks refreshed and can be customized to your particular taste. We will be mentioning some of the common materials and tools used to complete many of the refinishing jobs you may encounter around your home.

First, choose your stripper and be mindful of all the warnings and directions. While you are choosing the stripper, look at the selection of brushes. You may be able to find a packaged assortment and that may not be a bad idea. There are multiple ways to bring out the details that are presented in refinishing, but choosing a good brush and stripper can save you time on sanding. The directions may vary slightly on the stripper that you choose and depending on your project you may apply and remove multiple coats of stripper.

Once your piece of furniture is generally free of its old finish, you'll want to begin with the sanding step. When you pick out sandpaper, you can get an assortment of this also. There may be some spots that are more easily addressed with rough sandpaper as referred to by a low number or "grit." The intention when sanding is to remove any remaining areas of the old finish, but also provide a clean and smooth surface that will be an excellent surface for the new finish. You can move from low grit to high grit creating a smoother and smoother surface. This is the time to make repairs if you want but make sure you sand them as well.

Now that your surface is clean and well-prepared, you can apply the chosen finish. You may want to wait until this point to choose a stain and top-coat, so that you can really see the wood that you will be applying it to. Be certain to choose stain and top-coat that compliment the wood and each other to your taste. You may want to finish the piece to fit in a particular room of your house.

As with the stripper, it may be necessary to apply multiple coats of stain. The product you choose will have instructions along with suggestions. Once the stain is applied and allowed to properly set or dry you can then apply the top-coat of your choice. It's a very similar process to the last one.

There are variations you can experiment with. Some projects may not call for a top-coat or you may not want to use a stain and simply apply a single clear coat. Coats similar to lacquer allow the option of encasing objects under the coat on the furniture. Enjoy and keep in mind refinishing isn't just protecting, it's also beautifying.