How to Restore an Old Hutch

Remove the glass doors from the hutch and set to one side. You may need to push down on the bottom of the glass, which puts the doors at an angle and lets you slide them out. For doors with wood frames, you must unscrew the hinges from the hutch.

Paint the paint stripper onto the top of the hutch. Rub the scrapper across the top and use steel wool dipped in the paint stripper for any remaining stain or paint. A liquid stripper is most effective for the top and other flat areas of the hutch, while a gel-based stripper is better suited for the sides and angled areas.

Check all areas of the hutch, looking for any chips or scratches. Fill in those spaces with a small amount of wood putty. Hold the scrapper at an angle and slide across the wood. Sand the hutch with fine-grit sandpaper, removing any excess putty.

Apply the wood stain to a small area of the hutch with a clean paintbrush. As the hutch absorbs the stain, the wood color darkens. Once the wood reaches the shade you want, rub an old rag over the top, wiping off the stain. Keep working your way around the hutch until you apply new stain to all of the wood.

Pour the polyurethane in a paint tray. Rub the paint roller through the tray, wiping off the excess polyurethane on the side of the tray. Paint the clear sealant on the hutch, using a smooth and even motion. Apply more sealant to all areas of the hutch. Once the sealant dries, wipe the glass doors off with a damp cloth and reattach to the hutch.