How to Refinish Old Furniture

Refinishing old furniture is one of the most sustainable and satisfying DIY projects. A tired, scratched dresser or a dated dining table can be transformed into a beautiful, quality piece with the right process. Old solid wood furniture is often better quality than much of what is manufactured today, and refinishing it rather than replacing it saves money and keeps good pieces out of the landfill.

Assess the Piece Before You Start

Not all furniture is worth the effort to refinish. Look for solid wood construction rather than veneer — veneer can be refinished but is more delicate and less forgiving. Check for structural soundness: wobbly joints, cracked frames, and damaged mechanisms should be repaired before refinishing, or the investment of time and materials will be wasted on an unstable piece.

Stripping vs. Sanding

For most furniture, sanding is sufficient to prepare the surface for new finish. Start with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish and level any imperfections, then progress through 120-grit and 220-grit for an increasingly smooth surface. Chemical stripping is more effective for pieces with thick, built-up finish or elaborate carvings where sanding cannot reach.

Choosing the Right Final Finish

For a natural wood look, Danish oil or teak oil penetrates into the wood for a matte, hand-rubbed feel. Polyurethane provides a protective, durable top coat in matte, satin, or gloss sheens — ideal for dining tables and high-use surfaces. For painted furniture, a chalk paint finish with wax requires minimal prep and creates a beautiful matte result.