It can be a challenging task, especially if one has no idea of the various grain patterns and textures of these types of woods. Before learning how to refinish wood furniture, it is crucial to know the properties of wood furniture especially the oak and walnut wood since their distinct characteristics may need a different approach depending on their previous condition and the type of finish they had.
Step 1: Wood Condition Evaluation
It is essential to evaluate the furniture piece that has an oak or walnut finish before proceeding with the refinishing process. These hardwoods are usually quite durable, but they can become scratched, dented, or faded after years of use. It is recommended to observe any signs of use, for example, tabletops and armrests, as they often demonstrate the most deterioration.
Knowing the condition of your furniture to determine if it requires only a simple touch-up or a more detailed refinishing is one of the crucial steps in how to refinish wood furniture.
Step 2: Stripping the Old Finish
Now, that you know the state of the wood, it’s time to remove the existing finish from the wood. Oak and walnut hardwoods are best stripped chemically using strippers intended for use in furniture repair. Prepare the surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that you wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when applying the stripper.
Gently rub off the finish once it has become soft with a scraper without scratching the wooden surface. To detail carved parts or molding on oak furniture, use a small brush or steel wool to gently scrape off the old finish. Bear this in mind especially when using walnuts, which are usually darker than oak, and ensure that you do not over-scrape as this will cause an unnecessarily thinner layer of wood.
Step 3: Sanding the Surface Smooth
It can be seen that after the old finish is removed, the next important procedure in how to refinish wood furniture is to rough up the piece so that any remaining finish may be scraped off and minor surface blemishes smoothed over. Always start with a coarse sandpaper i.e. 120 grit and gradually work your way to finer papers of 220 grit until you get the satin finish. This is especially the case for oaks as the grain can be rougher in some areas and will need to be sanded down more in those places.
While walnut, on the other hand, has a more even and rather soft texture, it is best to be slightly less aggressive with the sanding paper to avoid tearing the wood grain. It’s also important to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches that wouldn’t easily be wiped off.
Step 4: Staining and Finishing
Finally, the furniture needs to be sanded before the stain or finish can be applied, which is the most fun part of learning how to refinish wood furniture. Oak and walnut are easy to be stained but the natural wood will show through the final color. Oak wood has a freer, less close grain that is more visible and can be easily made darker to make the grain stand out and give the wood a grainy look. Walnut is inherently darker than oak and may not require anything more than a light stain or a clear coat to best accent the rich, dark color of the walnut wood.
You can also apply a tack cloth to the surface to eliminate the remaining dust particles before applying the stain. Rub it into the surface with a brush or cloth, in the direction of the wood grain, and then buff off the surplus. After the wood has been properly dried, it is advisable to apply a coat of clear polyurethane, lacquer, or a more natural oil finish to give the wood a nice, long-lasting sheen.
Step 5: Caring for Refinished Furniture: Polishing and Maintenance
The last procedure related to the quest of how to refinish wood furniture is known as the polishing of the furniture after the stain and protective finish has dried. For oak and walnut, all required is to wipe the furniture with a soft cloth and use high-quality furniture polish to give it a beautiful finish and protect the wood surface. It’s rewarding to refinish oak and walnut furniture as it is also a good way to keep good pieces of furniture in your home with an aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
To find more professional advice and a large range of quality oak furniture pieces for refurbishing or enhancing your home, please visit the OAK Furniture Collection. Our range of products provides quality, timeless designs made from premium oak and can easily be refurbished to your preferences.
