How to Refinish Pecan Wood Furniture

Written By
Ruth O'Neil
Ruth O'Neil
Published: Dec 1, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read
  1. Remove any hardware that is on the piece of furniture. Place these in a plastic zipper bag to reattach later.

  2. Work outside in a well-ventilated area. Work in a covered area if possible to keep debris from falling into your stain and ruining the project. Cover any work surface to protect it from the stripper or the stain.

  3. Apply the stripper to the pecan wood using a natural bristle paintbrush. Allow the stripper to sit for as long as the manufacturer's directions suggest.

  4. Scrape off the stripper and the old finish using a plastic scraper. Do not use a razor blade as this will scratch and gouge the wood.

  5. Sand the entire surface of the pecan wood using 200-grit sandpaper. Wipe off all the dust and debris with a damp rag.

  6. Feel the surface of the wood. Look for imperfections or spots that are not perfectly smooth. Re-work these areas if necessary.

  7. Apply the stain using a clean rag. Wipe in one direction along the grain of the wood. Cover the pecan wood completely and evenly. Let the stain dry for twenty-four hours.

  8. Check the surface of the pecan wood over to make sure the stain is even. Apply a second coat of stain if desired. Allow the stain to dry for 72 hours.

  9. Reattach any hardware.

Tips

Using a stain that already includes the polyurethane saves you several steps. Use regular stain and a polyurethane finish if desired. Make sure to lightly sand the stain before applying the polyurethane and also sand between each coat of polyurethane for a smooth professional look.

It is a good idea to allow your piece of furniture to cure for a week before placing any knickknacks on it. If the finish is not completely dry, these items can cause damage to the surface of your furniture and imperfections in your finish.

Ruth O'Neil

Ruth O'Neil has been a freelance writer for almost 20 years. She has published hundreds of articles and stories in dozens of publications including "Parentlife," "CBA Retailers and Resources," "Lookout" and "Standard." She has also worked…

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