How to Refinish a Polyurethane Finish in Order to Re-Stain It

A fresh coat of stain can bring new life to old floors and furniture pieces. Before you can apply new stain, however, any polyurethane sealant must be removed. For large industrial jobs, there are chemicals that can remove the sealant, but these chemicals are too caustic to be used for most domestic projects. For household projects, furniture and flooring can be stripped, prepped and stained without the use of harsh chemicals.

Palm sander
200 grit sandpaper
Broom and mop or clean rag
Stain
Heavy gloves
Polyurethane

Instructions

- 1
  Sand away the existing polyurethane. The bulk of the work can be done with a palm sander, but use 200 grit sandpaper to remove polyurethane from corners and hard-to-reach areas. Take care to remove as little wood as possible.
- 2
  Clean the area thoroughly. If you are refinishing a floor, sweep and mop before proceeding. Furniture pieces should be wiped clean with a damp rag. Do not use household cleaners or furniture sprays, which could interfere with the new stain.
- 3
  Apply a new coat of stain, following the manufacturer instructions. Always wear gloves when staining.
- 4
  Paint the polyurethane on once the new stain has dried thoroughly. Paint on a thin, even coat and follow the grain of the wood. Allow the polyurethane to dry thoroughly -- at least 48 hours.

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