I still get this question a lot. “Do I need to strip and sand down furniture before I paint it?” I’m always happy to share the good news. “NO, you don’t”! Honestly, if that was the case, I would never have this job I love so much. Stripping and sanding down a piece to raw wood is a job for super-heroes, and I am not one.
The real tricky question is, “do I need to strip and sand down a piece if I want to re-stain it”? Until recently my answer would be, YES. And the reason is simple. Different from paint, stains are mostly transparent so you won’t be able to fully cover the previous finish or any damages, scratches or imperfections if you don’t prepare the wood properly to receive the new stain.
A couple of years ago I discovered gel stain, which is basically a thicker, strongly pigmented type of stain. Gel stain has been around for many years, but only recently I found out that there were people applying it on top of previously stained pieces without fully removing the previous finish. That intrigued me. It took me a while to have the courage to try it myself. When I finally did and learned what worked and didn’t work when doing it, I decided to share the process with you.
I refinished this buffet a couple of months ago in a navy blue and purple mix and a stained top. Since the piece was in such good condition, I decided I would not sand the top down to restain it.
Before you read my step-by-step instructions below, watch this short video tutorial, in which I show you how I did the whole process and also talk about the mistakes you should avoid if you decide to try it on your next project.
These are the supplies I used. This list includes a few affiliate links, which means if you buy an item through one of these links, I receive a small commision. There is no additional cost for you.
- Sandpaper (220, 320 grit)
- General Finishes Gel Stain
- Foam Brushes
- Clean, lint-free rag
- General Finishes Water-Based Top Coat
I started by sanding the top lightly, first with a 220 grit then wit a 320 grit, to make the surface smooth. It is important to sand in the same direction of the grain, or the sandpaper scratches will show through the stain.
I removed the sawdust with a mix of water and vinegar.
Next, I applied a coat of gel stain using a foam brush.
I immediately removed the excess of stain with a rag and waited about two hours before applying another coat of stain. I applied three coats of gel stain in total.
After the third coat of stain, I waited until the next day to seal the top. I also used a foam brush to apply the top coat.
I applied three coats of General Finishes Top Coat, sanding between coats with a very fine sandpaper (320).
If you are comfortable using a paint sprayer, you could also use it to apply this kind of top coat.
Here is how it turned out!
I love the navy-stain combo of this buffet. It had a wonderful response from my Instagram followers and it didn’t last long on my Etsy Shop.
How is your experience with stain? Do you have any tips for me? I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks for reading!
Pat.
I’m sharing this post on these awesome link parties!
Silver Pennies Sunday Link Party
I’ve been patiently awaiting this tutorial after seeing the video. I learn better by reading than watching. Your tutorial is everything I was expecting and exactly what I needed to get me to try gel stains. I love the look of a stained piece but hate having to be the one to do it! You may have just changed everything. The purple and blue mix made the most beautiful color for your buffet and it looks divine with the stained top. Thank you for teaching me so many techniques. When I use your simple tutorials, my projects always come out exactly as I dreamed.
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I’m so happy this tutorial helped you Christie! I think you will love gel stain. It may take a few tries, but once you get the hang of it. It is the best option out there in my opinion.
I’m planning to prepare a tutorial on how I painted this buffet as well.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your nice comment once again!
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Absolutely Gorgeous! Thanks for joining us at the To Grandma’s house we go link party, see you next week!
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Thank you so much, Tara 😊
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Please tell me how you did the body of the buffet! I love the color!
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Hi Lisa! I painted it with a mix of Royal Purple and Coastal Blue, by General Finishes, then applied some black glaze, mainly on the edges.
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I would like to see you do the tutorial on the bottom of the buffet. The whole piece is gorgeous. I have my mothers first dining room suit. She is deceased now. I would love to update and modernize it somewhat but not take anything away from the French provincial piece. I thought about silver, nickel or platinum color.
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I have several tutorials on my blog and YouTube channel, including some gray French provincials like this one.
https://thewoodspa.com/2015/11/27/a-french-provincial-beauty/
I hope some of them will be helpful. Good luck!
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Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for the video.
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Do you think this would work in an old staircase……after I clean dirt and build up off? The varnish has darken over years. It’s 150 year old house. I guess I should just try an area.
Or do you know someone who has refone their old staircase?
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Hi Jeannie, yes, I think it would work on stairs and make them look much better. However, I would seal it with at least three coats of oil-based polyurethane, since it’s a high traffic area and you need a better protection. Keep in mind that stain and oil-based sealers take many hours to dry, in humid places, even 2 or 3 days. That’s the time you wouldn’t be able to use the stairs. Good luck!
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The trick to refinishing stairs is to alternate! Do every other step, so you can still use the unfinished ones whil waiting for them to dry
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Great tip!
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