How To Refinish Furniture (Fast)
"DIY projects can take several days and a lot of hurry up and wait. Sometimes it's nice to have a project that gives you instant results. This coffee cart was a Goodwill find. It's such a unique piece. The trays are removable and the cart collapses—but it was in need of a little love."
Materials
I thought this project would take several days, some intense sanding, and several coats of stain. However, with Howard's Restor-A-Finish, it was looking brand new in a little under half an hour!
Step 1
Photo op! This isn't an essential step to refinishing your piece, but snapping a before shot adds the overall satisfaction of the finished project. (Be sure to capture the scratches and imperfections.)
Step 2
Now it's time to apply the Restor-A-Finish. We recommend doing this outside as the fumes are pretty strong. Pour some of the furniture finish onto an old rag. Now evenly rub the finish into your piece, being sure to cover every inch. Some areas will absorb more finish than others. Once you've done an initial coat, go back and touch up areas as needed.
Step 3
Next pour a little of the furniture polish onto some steel wool and gently buff any areas that look like they need a little extra love. This coffee cart had a lot of scratches. I thought they'd be a permanent part of this piece, but after a little buffing they vanished.
Step 4
It's time to clean up. DON’T throw your rags away in any old trashcan. They are highly flammable and have been known to spontaneously combust! Read the can and make sure you properly dispose of the rags and steel wool that have come in contact with the finish.
Step 5
Now it's time to enjoy your new piece. Take a minute and look back at that before picture you snapped in step one!
