How To Refinish Old Oak Furniture

Gather Your Supplies

Refinishing old oak furniture is an easy process, but it does require some supplies. You'll need a good quality wood cleaner, a steel wool scrub pad, sandpaper in various grits, wood stain, wood sealer, and protective gloves. Make sure you get the right supplies for the job and that you have enough to finish the entire project.

Clean and Prep the Surface

Before you can start staining and refinishing the furniture, you have to clean and prep the surface. Start by using a wood cleaner to remove any dirt and grime from the wood. Once the wood is clean, you can use a steel wool scrub pad to gently remove any remaining debris. After you've scrubbed the surface, use a medium grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.

Apply the Stain

Once the surface is clean and prepped, you can start applying the stain. Be sure to wear protective gloves to avoid getting any of the stain on your hands. Choose a stain that is appropriate for the type of wood you are working with. Start by applying a thin, even layer of stain to the surface. You may need to apply multiple coats to get the desired color. Once you've achieved the desired color, let the stain dry completely before you move onto the next step.

Apply the Sealer

Once the stain has dried, you can apply a sealer to protect the wood from scratches and other damage. Start by using a fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Apply the sealer using a brush and let it dry completely before you move onto the next step. Once the sealer is dry, you can buff it with a cloth to give it a nice shine.

Finishing Touches

Once the sealer has dried, you can apply any finishing touches to the furniture. You may want to add a coat of furniture wax to give it a nice shine. You may also want to add new hardware or trim to give the piece a unique look. These finishing touches will take your furniture from drab to fab in no time.

Enjoy Your Refinished Furniture

Once you have finished the refinishing process, you can enjoy your newly refinished furniture. Your hard work will have paid off, and your furniture will look like new again. You can proudly display your furniture in any room or use it as a conversation piece when you entertain guests. Refinishing old oak furniture is a great way to bring new life to a piece of furniture that may otherwise have been tossed in the trash.