Refinishing Old Wooden Furniture: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Refinishing old wooden furniture can be an enjoyable yet challenging process, particularly if you're a newbie. So before you get started, it's crucial to understand the various mistakes that newbies and even seasoned enthusiasts make. Whether you're hoping to improve the piece's appearance or restore it to its former glory, it's vital to avoid errors that could compromise the finished product.

Here's a look at the common mistakes to avoid when refinishing old wooden furniture pieces.


1. Failing to Strip the Old Finish Properly

A critical error many people make when refinishing old wooden furniture is failing to strip the old finish properly. Typically, most people tend to use sandpaper on the existing finish without stripping it first. This approach can lead to more issues in the long run. To do it right, you should use a chemical stripper, which makes the old finish dissolve easily, making sanding more natural. The right products, tools, and techniques will help you strip the old finish without damaging the wood.

2. Skimping on Sanding

Another mistake to avoid when refinishing old wooden furniture is skimping on sanding. Proper sanding helps remove any bumps, nicks, or scratches on the furniture surface, giving the piece a cleaner and smoother finish. Make sure that you start sanding with a coarse grit sandpaper and progressively work your way from finer to coarser when sanding. Sanding is an essential part of the refinishing process, so ensure that you take sufficient time to get it right.

3. Not Testing Stains before Applying Them

Before you get started with staining your old wooden furniture, you must test your stains. If you don't, you could end up with a messy finish that's difficult to remove and can ruin the project completely. There are several types of stain available on the market, so it's important to find the perfect match for your piece. Always test the stain on an inconspicuous area, which will give you an idea of how the finish will look on the entire piece.

4. Choosing the Wrong Protective Finish

When refinishing old wooden furniture, choosing the wrong protective finish is an avoidable error that can ruin your efforts. There are various protective finishes available, such as oil, wax, and polyurethane. Each provides a different look and level of protection, so it's vital to select the appropriate product. For instance, if you want a natural-looking finish, choose oil or wax-based finishes. If you're going for a high-gloss finish, it's best to use polyurethane.

5. Rushing the Process

Finally, rushing the refinishing process is a mistake to avoid. Refinishing old wooden furniture takes time, patience, and effort. You should allocate plenty of time to every phase of the refinishing process. Depending on the size of the piece, the entire process can take a few days or a few weeks, so be patient. Rushing can lead to errors, and all your efforts could be in vain.


In conclusion, refinishing old wooden furniture is a fantastic and worthwhile project. However, it requires time, patience, and attention to detail, along with some helpful tips and techniques. Avoiding the mistakes outlined in this article can ensure a successful refinishing project. Take the time to strip the old finish, sand properly, test the stain, choose the right protective finish, and avoid rushing the process. Before long, you'll have a beautifully refurbished piece of furniture that complements your home decor. And if you need any assistance or tips, don't hesitate to seek advice from experts or professionals in the field.