How to Refinish Wood Furniture Without Stripping
With the right refinishing furniture techniques, you can give your old worn out wood furniture a fresh new look. But removing the old finish is one of the important steps in the process, and stripping can be a messy and time consuming task to do. So let’s learn how to refinish wood furniture without stripping!
We’ll show you the different methods to get into refinishing without using any chemical strippers, and you’ll be glad to be able to use supplies you already have on hand. Let’s get started!
If you’ve ever stripped furniture before, you know you’ll have to deal with harsh chemicals, though some brands are coming out with more eco-friendly options. Some will take time to set in and work – even hours for some, and then you’ll have to scrape off the old finish.
You’ll also need to deal with residue – the cleanup process will also take some time and effort, not to mention disposing of the chemicals responsibly. It’s not the most pleasant task, especially if you have limited space or ventilation.
But we can’t deny the fact that stripping is very effective in removing existing finishes and stains! However, if you’re looking for a simpler and more eco-friendly approach to refinishing your wood furniture, then this guide is for you.
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Refinishing Wood Furniture Without Stripping
Yes, there are alternative methods that you can do that can give similar results. Let’s look into these different ways, so if you don’t have any stripping materials on hand, you can still go ahead and tackle that refinishing project!
Remove Old Finish By Sanding
Sanding is the most common and effective method for removing old finish from wood furniture. If you’ve been painting or refinishing furniture for a while, chances are you already have sandpaper ready.
So start by using coarse grit sandpaper to remove the top layer of finish, then gradually work your way up to finer grits. Coarse grits like 80 grit will remove more material, while finer grits like 220 will leave a smoother surface ready for painting or staining. Check out our list of the best sandpaper for refinishing furniture and find the perfect match for your project.
You can also use one of these best sanders for furniture and best sanders to remove paint, especially for larger pieces. They cover more surface area and make sanding faster and easier, so investing in one would definitely be worth it if you plan on doing more painting and refinishing projects.
For a complete list of must have tools, here’s our blog post about essential furniture refinishing tools.
How to Sand Wood Curves
If your furniture has curved or intricate details, sanding with regular sandpaper can be a bit tricky. Instead, use foam sanding pads on these areas to get smoother and more precise sanding results. These pads are specifically designed for sanding curves and tight spaces, making it easier to reach those hard to reach areas.
Coarse grit foam pads with 80 or 100 is best for removing old finishes or paint on wood curves. You can use these pads and sand by hand, or with power sanders to speed up the process. Learn more about foam sanding pads for electric sanders for more tips on how to use them effectively. And here’s how to sand curved surfaces to guide you on this step in detail.
Scrape Old Finish
You can also use a carbide scraper to scrape off thick finishes. This method will take a bit more effort because you need to apply more pressure when using the scraper. But with a bit of elbow grease, you’ll be able to remove multiple layers of paint or stain. Here’s how to strip stain from wood using a carbide scraper for more helpful tips.
But you have to remember to be careful and don’t be too forceful when scraping. You don’t want to scratch or, worse, damage the wood surface. Take your time and scrape steadily so you have better control over the blade.
Once you’re done scraping, smooth out any rough edges with a medium grit sandpaper. This will also help prepare the wood surface for the next step in the refinishing process. Don’t forget to clean up any residue left from scraping and sanding before proceeding.
Refinishing Wood Furniture
So you’ve successfully removed the old finish from your furniture, and you didn’t have to strip it! Now we’ll tackle refinishing itself. This is applying a new coat of finish to enhance the wood as well as protect it from wear.
There are many types of wood stains available – you have oil based, water based, and gel stains. Oil based stains are known for their durability, but they take longer to dry and can have a strong odor. Water based stains dry more quickly and have less of an odor, but they may not have the same level of durability as oil based stains. Gel stains are thicker and give a more consistent color, and they come in both oil based and water based options.
Factor in the look you want for your furniture as well as drying time when choosing a stain. Waterbased stains are great for those on a tight timeline, while oil based stains may work better for larger projects. Here’s our list of the best wood stains for refinishing furniture for more details on the types of wood stains that you can choose from.
If you’re new to refinishing furniture, here are the steps to refinishing furniture. If you’re working on an antique piece, explore our tips on how to refinish antique furniture. Be sure to check out this list of must-have furniture refinishing supplies, too!
How to Apply Stain
Now you’ve chosen your stain and you’re ready to apply it! First, give the stain a good stir to make sure the product is well mixed. Then, test it on a small area to make sure the color is what you want, so you can make any necessary adjustments before moving on to the whole piece.
You can apply the stain with a brush, stain applicator, or lint free cloth. Here are the best brushes for staining if you’re looking for recommendations. Start at one end of the piece and work in the direction of the wood grain with smooth, even strokes.
Let the stain sit for around 5-15 minutes if you’re using an oil based stain, and only about a minute or two for water based stains. If you want a darker color, leave it on longer. For a more detailed guide, here’s how to stain wood darker. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess stain in the direction of the wood grain.
If you want a deeper color or more even coverage, you can apply a second coat of stain once the first one is dry. Drying time will depend on the stain – oil stains should dry in about 24 hours, while water based ones will be dry within a few hours.
Sealing Refinished Wood Furniture
There’s one more step in the refinishing process – sealing the newly stained wood furniture. This is the protective layer that will keep your furniture looking great for years to come. Sealants include polyurethane, wax, and polyacrylic.
Like the stain, apply thin, even coats of the topcoat, following the wood grain. You’ll usually need 3 coats for maximum durability, and you can even lightly sand between coats to create a smoother finish. Remember to remove any sanding dust before applying the next coat.
After the final coat, make sure to handle the newly refinished wood piece with care, depending on the type of sealant used. Polycrylic dries faster than polyurethane and wax – wax can even take up to 30 days to fully cure. Here’s wax vs polyurethane for a more detailed comparison of these topcoats.
When refinishing wooden furniture, you don’t need to remove the old finish by stripping. You can alternatively sand and scrape down your piece to reveal a fresh layer of wood. And with the right stain and proper application, you can give your furniture a refinished look that will enhance the beauty of the wood.
More Refinishing Furniture Tips
- How to Refinish a Cedar Chest
- How to Stain Wood Furniture Darker
- How To Change Dark Wood Stain To Light
- How to Refinish Veneer
- Can You Refinish Particle Board Furniture
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