If you want to restore a cherished piece of antique furniture, you can learn how to refinish antique furniture and give it a refreshed look. Antiques have a history and character that make them unique, and with the proper refinishing furniture techniques, you can preserve their beauty for years to come.

But antique pieces need special care and attention because they’re already old and delicate. So, keep reading for tips and tricks on refinishing antique furniture and bringing it back to life.

refinishing antique furniture with stain

Antique furniture adds a unique touch to any home but can also come with some wear and tear. Fortunately, you don’t have to toss out your favorite piece just because it’s showing its age. With some know-how on refinishing antique furniture, you can transform it into a stunning centerpiece again.

Click here for the stain removal guide and checklist

Antique pieces also often hold sentimental value, passed down from generation to generation. Giving your old furniture a fresh look can also feel like preserving a family heirloom. Plus, refinishing antique furniture can save you money compared to buying a new piece with the same character and quality.

Before you jump into the refinishing process, remember that it takes time, patience, and a careful touch. The last thing you want is to cause damage to an old and precious piece, so take it slow and handle it with care.

Supplies Used for Refinishing Antique Furniture

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Chemical Stripper
Scraper
Mineral Spirits
Vacuum
Tack Cloth
Sandpaper
Wood Pre-Conditioner
Clean Cloth
Brush
Stain
Sealant (Polyurethane, Polycrylic, or Wax)

Remove Old Finish from Antique Furniture

Your antique piece may have several layers of paint, varnish, or stain from over the years, so the first step in refinishing is to remove this old finish completely. This will allow you to start with a clean slate and give the furniture a new look.

Since antique furniture is fragile, you should be careful when removing the old finish. If the finish is thick and stubborn and your piece has intricate details, it may be best to use a chemical stripper. If not, you can use these best sandpaper for removing paint from wood options to remove the finish gently.

applying chemical stripper to remove old finish from antique furniture

When using a stripper, let it sit for at least 15 minutes, and then scrape off the loosened finish with a plastic scraper. Always wear protective gear when using chemical strippers, such as gloves and goggles. If you’re sanding, start with a coarse grit and work your way to finer grits until you’ve removed all the finish.

Once you’ve removed the old finish, wipe the piece down with a clean cloth and mineral spirits to remove any residue. For sanding, vacuum then use a tack cloth to remove the dust. Now, your antique furniture is ready for a fresh coat of finish!

Sand Furniture Smooth for New Finish

With the old finish removed, the next thing to do is sand down the wood for a smooth and even surface. Sand your antique piece with 220 grit sandpaper, making sure to follow the direction of the grain. Don’t sand too hard or in one spot for too long, then clean up the dust. Here’s our list of the best sandpaper for refinishing furniture to learn more about the different types of sandpaper you can use for a successful furniture refinishing project.

Sanding antique furniture will not only smooth out the surface but also help the new finish adhere better. It also lets you get rid of any scratches, dents, or imperfections on the wood. But again, be careful not to overdo it over the delicate antique wood.

Pre Condition Wood Before Refinishing

Before moving on to the actual refinishing process, it’s important to properly pre condition the antique wood. It’s basically priming and preparing the wood for a new finish, helping the stain absorb more evenly.

Brush the pre conditioner onto your antique furniture, following the direction of the wood grain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe any excess with a clean cloth. It’s a quick and easy step that can make a big difference in the end result of your project.

Apply New Finish on Antique Furniture

Start by doing a test stain on a small spot of your antique furniture. This way, you can make sure the color looks the way you want. Every piece of wood is different, so it’s important to test the stain on your specific piece before committing to the whole thing. Check out our list of the best wood stains for refinishing furniture to help you select the right wood stain for your next refinishing project.

Varathane wood stain for refinishing antique furniture

Apply the stain following the direction of the wood grain using a clean cloth or brush. Work in small sections to have better control and make the application more even. If you need recommendations for the brush, check out our list of best brushes for staining wood here.

After letting the stain sit for a few minutes, wipe off any excess with a lint free rag. Make sure to follow the direction of the grain still when wiping. Then, let this coat dry before deciding if you need to apply another one for a darker or more even finish.

DEWALT Orbital Sander

Diablo Orbital Sanding Disc

Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

Seal Refinished Antique Furniture

Now it’s time to seal your newly refinished antique furniture! Sealing helps protect your hard work and preserve your piece’s beauty. If you skip this step, your furniture may be more prone to damage and wear over time.

There are a few options for choosing a sealant for your refinished furniture. Polyurethane, polycrylic, and wax are all popular choices. Each has pros and cons, so you can check out our topcoats for painting furniture post to learn more about them.

applying topcoat onto refinished furniture

Waterbased polyurethane or polycrylic is our go-to because it gives a clear, durable finish without changing the color of your stain. Apply 2-3 coats of poly, making sure each coat dries completely before adding the next one. Once you’ve applied all coats, let the piece cure for 24 hours.

So that’s our guide on how to refinish antique furniture successfully! You’ll need to give extra attention since you’re working with a fragile piece, but with the right supplies and technique, you can bring new life to your beloved heirloom. Get more ideas for your next DIY project with these refinished dining table ideas.

If you’re looking to make extra income with refinished pieces, check out our post on can you make money refinishing furniture? to see if it’s possible.