How to Refinish a Rustic Black Armoire

Remove all hardware from the armoire, and store it in plastic zip-top bags to prevent the loss of screws. This includes hinges, as doors are much easier to refinish when laid flat.

Sand the entire piece with an orbital or belt sander as well as coarse sandpaper to remove the existing finish. Steer clear of delicate areas like carved designs and scroll work. Use medium sandpaper wrapped around dowels, credit cards, or a small piece of wood to sand these details without altering the design.

Fill holes and dents with wood filler if desired. Allow the filler to dry, and then sand it smooth with medium sandpaper. Rustic furniture looks best when it shows a little wear, so only repair the most egregious flaws (or don't repair any.)

Wipe the piece down with a damp rag, going over it several times to remove dust, dirt and other residue that could interfere with the finish. The moisture also raises the wood grain, so sand it again with finer sandpaper if you desire a smooth finish and then wipe with a tack cloth. Rustic looks work well with raised grain, so the extra sanding is not entirely necessary.

Apply a coat of wood conditioner if your armoire is old and you are planning to use a stain. This helps the wood grab the stain evenly to avoid splotches. If you are planning to use paint, apply a coat of primer. Allow it to dry thoroughly for the time indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Apply your paint or stain with a soft brush, working with the grain. Be sure to get in all the corners and all the way down to the bottom of the feet. Use long, smooth and even strokes. Avoid overlapping strokes with stain. Some stains require you to wipe them off after 15 minutes or so, while others you just allow to soak in. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the packaging and allow to dry.

Apply another coat of your paint or stain if you'd like a deeper color, and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Sand edges and raised areas lightly with a fine- or medium-grit sandpaper to slightly distress the finish if desired. For heavier distress, beat the piece with a heavy chain or nail board to make obvious scars. In most cases, less is more. Wood has a high contrast to a black finish, so any distress will be very visible.

Apply a protective clear topcoat. Spray polyurethane is convenient and available in an appropriate satin finish, but some people prefer the high shine of varnish. Use a spray version if possible to avoid visible brush strokes and uneven coverage. Allow the topcoat to dry.

Reattach the doors and hardware. Allow the armoire to cure for about 48 hours before heavy use.