In this article, we’ll walk you through every step on restaining wood furniture—from initial inspection and prep to stripping, staining, and sealing —so you can enjoy professional results, even as a beginner.

Many people confuse refinishing furniture with restaining wood furniture, so let's clear that up immediately. Restaining means you're giving your wood a new color while working with the finish already there.

Whether you’re revitalizing a family heirloom, updating a thrifted find, or simply refreshing your current decor, restaining can breathe new life into wooden surfaces. This process involves removing the old finish, preparing the wood, and applying a new stain to achieve a desired tone and finish.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to restain your deck. Mauro Henrique, a painting expert from This Old House, demonstrates the correct techniques for restaining a mahogany deck in the video above. Over time, exposure to sun, rain, and foot traffic can deteriorate your deck’s finish.

If you plan on restaining your furniture, you’ll need to continue sanding to remove the existing stain. Use medium sandpaper (approximately 150 grit), followed by fine sandpaper (approximately 220 grit), to complete the sanding process.

Restaining wood furniture is one of the easiest ways to give old pieces a brand-new life. It helps you save money, stay creative, and keep items that matter to you.