The Art of Stripping and Refinishing Wood Furniture

Before your furniture can be transformed and renewed, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned of the old paint or stain. If you try to add new stain without stripping, the finished product won’t be as durable and the longevity of the final finish will be decreased. Keep in mind, when painting furniture you don’t need to strip because you can just scrub it clean and sand it to be ready for a new coat of paint. The art of stripping and refinishing is just that, art. Because it requires expertise in order to thoroughly strip and stain an old piece to bring it back to life.

Safety is always a priority when it comes to furniture restoration. The chemicals used for stripping can be dangerous to your skin, eyes, and lungs so be sure to wear long sleeves, goggles, and a breathing mask. Choosing the right stripping agent is more of a preference based on speed. Some stripping products take several layers while a more aggressive product works quicker. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors but at least with the windows and doors open.

The tools required for stripping are protective gear, a metal container to hold the stripper, paintbrush, assorted putty knives, abrasive pads, round scraping tools, and a protected surface to work on. A few things to remember not all pieces of furniture are worth stripping and refinishing. And the ones that are worth it, may require a professional touch to strip, repair, and refinish properly. The last thing you want is a finished product that isn’t better than the starting point.

The creative part of this entire process lies in the creation of a new look for your furniture. Choosing the right stain for your furniture lies mostly in preference of the color you are looking for. If you would like a professional opinion, our craftsmen would be happy to advise a color based on the room it will call home. Choosing a high-quality stain and the right tools makes a huge difference in the outcome of your refinished item. Depending on the wood grain of your furniture, you may need a grain filler if it has wide wood grain to help the stain take better. Stain should always be applied in thin layers to ensure an even finish. Only you can assess your skill level when it comes to stripping and refinishing so if you don’t feel confident in the outcome of your piece, take it to your local refinishing experts, Evolution Furniture.

While there are many articles online on how to strip and refinish furniture when you have a piece of furniture with sentimental value, an antique, or a high-quality piece, trust the process to the professionals at Wehrli Furniture. Our expert craftsmen take immense care for each project they work on because they know customers entrust their most cherished furniture to them. Our professional furniture services include restoration, painting, upholstery, and custom design. Call us today to begin your next project or visit our website for inspiration.