How to Change the Color of a Piece of Furniture

Remove Old Finish

• 1

  Lightly sand the surface of surface you'll paint over with 150-grit sandpaper. Paint needs a roughened surface to adhere to.

• 2

  Remove all dust from sanding with a soft cloth. It's important to get rid of all dust to make sure the new paint or stain goes on smoothly.

• 3

  Use steel wool to rub antique refinisher into the surface of wood furniture that has old paint or stain that you want to remove completely down to the wood. The refinisher will dissolve the paint or stain. Wipe the dissolved finish with a soft, clean cloth.

Paint

• 4

  Tape off any upholstery on the piece of furniture to protect it from primer and paint.

• 5

  Brush oil-based primer to prepared wood. Primer covers the remains of old finish and gives a smooth surface for painting over. Use a roller or a brush and cover the entire piece. Let dry.

• 6

  Apply a thin layer of paint with a brush or roller over the piece of furniture. Make this layer as smooth as possible. You can use a latex paint over oil-based primer for a glossy, easy-to-clean surface. Don't apply latex paint over oil-based paint, however, or you'll have a bubbled surface. Let this layer dry.

• 7

  Apply a second layer of paint over the first. Allow to dry. Finish with polyurethane varnish, brushing on with long strokes. Let dry for two days before using the furniture. Remove tape from the upholstery.

Stain

• 8

  Tape off any upholstery on the piece of furniture. Apply a wood conditioner over stripped furniture prior to staining. Allow it to dry for 15 minutes.

• 9

  Open a can of oil-based penetrating stain while wearing rubber gloves. Stir the stain well.

• 10

  Dip a clean cloth in the stain and rub it in small circles over the wood. Wipe extra stain off with a clean cloth and allow the stain to dry 6 to 8 hours.

• 11

  Brush polyurethane finish over the stain with long, smooth strokes. Allow it to dry for two days before using the furniture. Remove tape from the upholstery.