How to Refinish Vanity Cabinet by Pickling

Strip the original finish with a finish-stripping solvent, such as mineral spirits. Paint the solvent on the cabinet, then allow it to soak for about five to 10 minutes. Scrape the finish off with a paint scraper.

Wash the wood thoroughly with a solution of 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate mixed with 1 gallon of hot water. This will remove any remnants of the old finish and chemical residue left by the solvent while also opening the wood's pores.

Sand the wood with medium-grade sandpaper to remove any blemishes, such as light scratching or dings. Sand the wood a second time with fine-grade sandpaper to leave a perfectly smooth surface. Wipe any wood dust away with a damp cloth.

Mix white paint with an equal amount of paint thinner if you use an oil-based paint. Thin the paint with water if you use latex paint or water-based paint.

Test this solution on a piece of scrap wood and let it dry. The wood grain should be visible through the paint. Adjust the amount of thinner or paint until you are satisfied with the appearance of the dried paint.

Apply the thinned paint to the cabinet with a paintbrush. Work with the grain of the wood. Coat the entire cabinet with the thinned paint, then allow it to dry completely.

Apply a wood sealer, such as polyurethane or varnish. This should be a water-based product because oil-based products will turn the white paint yellow as it dries. Once the first coat dries, sand the finish with very fine-grade sandpaper before applying a second coat.