Photography by Amanda Reelick
This mid-century modern coffee table has enduring style, but the varnish is showing signs of wear and tear. With a little effort, old varnish can be removed and scuffed wooden furniture can be restored to its former glory.
Resene Colorwood natural wood stain has a see-through look that enhances the natural grain of timbers. The final wood colour depends on the timber being stained, so check the full Resene range of stains and tints for a shade that best matches. We used Resene Colorwood Teak.
Step 1:
Examine your item of furniture to determine which parts need to be refurbished. It may be that you don’t need to strip or stain all surfaces. Resene Strip-Off is a powerful solvent that is effective at removing enamels and varnishes from household furniture.
Step 2:
Lay out drop cloths or layers of absorbent cardboard. Wear protective clothing such as an apron, goggles and solvent-resistant gloves. Brush on Resene Strip-Off. Thoroughly wet the surfaces to be stripped and leave the product on for at least 30 minutes before testing.
Step 3:
Strip surfaces using a paint scraper or by scrubbing with a metal pot scourer. Always work in the direction of the wood grain. After stripping all surfaces, scrub them clean using warm water and eco detergent.
Step 4:
Allow all surfaces to dry for 24 hours and lightly sand where necessary. Always work in the direction of the wood grain. Thoroughly wipe all surfaces to remove any remaining dust.
Step 5:
Use a speed brush and a shallow tray to apply an even coat of Resene Colorwood Natural Wood Stain.
Allow to dry. Apply Resene Aquaclear satin or gloss or Resene Qristal Clear polyurethane to help protect your wooden furniture and your stained finish.
You need:
- Resene Strip-Off and paintbrush
- Resene Colorwood Natural Wood Stain, and for finish Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane or Resene Qristal Clear
- Speed brush and tray
- Drop cloth or cardboard
- Protective clothing, gloves and goggles
- Metal bowl, stainless steel scourers, eco detergent
- Optional: small sander and range of sandpapers
Top Tip:
If you prefer to avoid the stripping varnish step, you can apply Resene Colorwood Whitewash, Greywash or a Beachwash finish over the top for a stain wash effect, or you can use Resene Waterborne Sureseal and then apply topcoats in your chosen Resene colour for a painted finish.
