refinish

Refinish is the process of restoring or altering the surface of a finished material by removing an existing coating and applying a new one. The goal is to restore appearance, improve protection, and extend service life. Refinishing is commonly performed on wood furniture, cabinetry, and floors, but can also apply to metal, leather, or automotive surfaces.

A typical project starts with assessment and preparation. The old finish is removed using chemical strippers or mechanical sanding to expose a clean surface. Repairs or fills may be applied to address cracks or dents. If a new color is desired, stain or dye is applied before the final topcoat. The chosen finish—such as polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, shellac, or oil—provides gloss, durability, and resistance to wear. Final coats are allowed to cure before use.

Methods vary by substrate. Furniture and cabinetry often use strippers and sanding; floors may be sanded and re-coated with multiple coats. Safety considerations include adequate ventilation, eye protection, and disposal of chemicals. For environmental and health reasons, water-based finishes and low-VOC products are increasingly preferred.

Maintenance after refinishing involves regular cleaning with non-abrasive products and avoiding moisture or heavy abrasion. Recoating at appropriate intervals preserves appearance and protection.