How to Refinish a Rocking Chair
Wooden rocking chairs are a great find at any garage sale or antique fair. They are a comfortable addition to any room, especially a nursery. If you find a chair that is in disrepair, that should not stop you from purchasing it. Refinishing a rocking chair may take some time, but it is a fairly simple process with an excellent long term payoff.
First: Remove the current finish
The first thing you want to do is remove the current wood finish. Apply a stripper to the entire chair and wait for the finish to start bubbling and peeling. Once this occurs, scrape the finish off, making sure to follow the grain of the wood. A small putty knife works well for this job. Steel wool is useful in the tighter areas of the chair. Take a clean cloth and wipe the chair down after removing the finish.
Second: Sand and seal
Sanding the entire chair can help remove any lingering bits of old finish and ensure a smooth surface for your new stain. A 120 grit sandpaper is a good tool to use for removing any leftover finish, while 220 grit sandpaper smooths the wood. Next, brush on a coat of sanding sealer to help the the wood absorb the new finish. Wipe off any excess sealer and gently sand with 220 grit sandpaper.
Third: Add a new finish
Use a clean cloth to gently apply your new stain to the entire rocking chair. Wipe off any excess with another clean cloth after making sure that the wood is absorbing the stain. For a darker finish, you can apply multiple coats of stain. Finally, apply a thin layer of sealant over the chair and allow it to dry thoroughly.