Refinish a Thrifted Chair

Instructions

1. Put on a respirator and safety goggles before starting.

2. Use a paint stripper like Citristrip to remove old finish; apply a thick layer with a paintbrush (1 quart should suffice) and let it sit for 30 minutes.

3. Scrape off the softened finish with a plastic scraper, working in the direction of the grain.

4. Sand the chair using 120-grit sandpaper on a sanding block to smooth out any rough areas and remove remaining finish.

5. Switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand the entire chair again to prepare the surface for staining.

6. Wipe the chair with a damp cloth to raise the grain and let it dry completely before proceeding.

7. Apply a wood stain (1 pint) of your choice using a clean cloth, working in the direction of the grain; let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping off excess.

8. Allow the stain to dry for at least 4 hours or as per the product instructions.

9. Apply a clear wax finish (1 can) using a clean cloth, buffing it into the wood in circular motions; let it cure for 24 hours before use.