Whether your oak furniture has seen better days or you're simply itching to give it a new look, it can be done. If your furniture is structurally sound and tastefully designed, a refinishing job may be all it needs. For first-timers this may be a challenge, but no matter how much experience you may have, this process takes time and technique. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Obtain a chemical stripper labeled as requiring "no cleanup," or that will be easily washed away with water. While some strippers come in liquid form, others can be found as gels or pastes. For items with both horizontal and vertical surfaces, such as chairs, bookshelves and dressers, it is best to avoid liquid forms that will run off the sides, although these work fine with tabletops. Be sure to read the instructions that come from the manufacturer of the chemical stripper.
2. If possible, unassemble the piece of furniture you are working with. For example, take the drawers out of a dresser, or remove the leaves of a table.
3. Spread a coat of stripper to a small area of your wood surface. Wait for the time advised in the manufacturer's instructions while the stripper does its work.
4. Using a round-edged scraper or putty knife, remove the old finish. In places where the finish refuses to come off, use steel wool soaked in the stripper. In certain areas, multiple applications of stripper may be required. Repeat this process until you have covered all surfaces. Avoid coating large areas at once, as this may result in your stripper drying onto the wood surface.
5. According to your manufacturer's directions, clean the remaining stripper from the wood surface with water or turpentine and wait for the wood to dry.
6. Lightly sand the dresser's surfaces where needed. The appearance of your new finish will largely rely on how well you sand. Be sure not to leave any rough patches or defects, and sand in the direction of the wood grain.
7. Since your furniture is oak, you will need to work grain filler into the grain. Since grain filler is a pigmented paste, be sure to choose a color that goes along with your planned design. This will depend on the color of the wood, the color you wish to stain it, and the degree to which you'd like the wood grain emphasized. Apply the paste filler and press it into the grain along the surfaces as desired. Allow the filler to dry before using a putty knife to remove the excess, then lightly sand once again along the grain line.
8. Apply a sanding sealer to all surfaces and allow it to dry before lightly sanding once again. This will act as a primer for the wood, preventing it from absorbing too much of your stain.
9. Apply your chosen stain evenly to the wood with a brush or rag, and allow it to penetrate the wood as long as desired: the longer you leave it, the darker the color. Wipe off excess stain with a rag and leave the wood to dry. Repeat this step if you would like your wood darker.
10. Using either polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, or lacquer, apply your finish with a brush. You may need to apply several coats and even lightly sand between applications.
11. Allow your oak dresser to dry.
Tags: wood surface, your furniture, chemical stripper, grain filler, grain Since, into grain