Painting Wood Furniture and Coating It With Polyurethane

Strip the old finish off the wood. This is best done by sanding, though solvents, such as mineral spirits and varnish thinner, may also be used. If you sand, start with 80-grit to 100-grit sandpaper to strip the finish, and move up to 180-grit to 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Solvents can be applied with a rag, and the finish can be pulled up with a putty knife and scrubbed with 0000-grade steel wool.

Wash the wood. Even if you sanded to remove the finish, it is necessary to scrub the wood clean to remove dirt and potential oil stains. Mix 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate for every 1 gallon of hot water you use. Rinse the wood with clean water and a cotton cloth. Allow the wood to dry completely.

Paint the wood with a primer meant for painting wood. Apply the primer with a natural or synthetic bristle paintbrush, and always work in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Allow the primer to dry.

Apply the paint of your choice using the same process you used for the primer. If desired, apply additional coats of paint. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Pour a small amount of polyurethane directly onto one of the horizontal surfaces of the wood. Keep the can close to the surface as you pour so you don't create air bubbles in the finish. Spread the polyurethane using full, even strokes with a lamb's wool or foam applicator.

Allow the polyurethane to dry completely. Scuff up the surface of the polyurethane with a piece of 400-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. Apply up to five coats of polyurethane in this fashion.