Refinishing Antique Black Furniture

Set the antique black furniture on a canvas tarp, which catches any sawdust or paint. Scrape off any peeling paint with a putty knife. Apply the paint stripper on the wood. After two minutes, gently rub the putty knife across the wood, peeling off the old paint or stain.

Clean the wood with a tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner applied with a sponge. The TSP removes any musty or old smells from the wood and cleans off any sawdust residue. Wipe the piece down with a damp cloth, which removes the excess TSP, and let the piece dry overnight.

Sand the wood with the 100-grit sandpaper. The coarser grit removes any paint or stain left on the wood. Go over the wood a second time, rubbing with the 220-grit sandpaper. The finer grit gives the wood a smooth surface. Wipe the sawdust off the furniture with a tack cloth.

Rub the new stain on the piece with an old rag. Use a fluid motion, rubbing your hand directly across the natural grain of the wood. Wait several minutes until the liquid soaks in. A second rag rubbed across the wood takes off the excess stain and keeps it from pooling on the surface.

Apply the polyurethane on the surface of the furniture. Follow the natural wood grain again, as you apply an even coat of the clear sealant. The polyurethane protects the wood from future damage, including damage caused by moisture.