How to Lighten Your Timber Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you have a timber furniture piece that needs a fresh look?

This article will guide you through the process of stripping orange varnish off a timber hall stand and lightening the wood.

The products and tools used in this makeover are:

150mm Orbital Sander - https://amzn.to/48AZ381 (Amazon)
125mm Battery Orbital Sander - https://amzn.to/3tsws67 (Amazon)
125mm Sanding Disks All Grits https://amzn.to/3ujtYHx
150mm Sanding Disks All Grits https://amzn.to/3HIMJXQ
Makita Battery - https://amzn.to/48rUygc (Amazon)
Hand Sand Paper - https://amzn.to/48gP3Rt (Amazon)
Tricleanium Degreaser - https://amzn.to/3ufNl47 (Amazon)
Spray Gun Wagner Flexico - https://amzn.to/47Z8T2V (Amazon)
Mini Roller Head 4mm Nap - https://amzn.to/3Oq8Hmk (Amazon)
Paint Brush - https://amzn.to/3HHDXcE (Amazon)
Primer - Zinsser Bin Shellac Primer - https://amzn.to/42lC7rq (Amazon)
Grey Paint - A Blend of Lead & Seashell By Pureco you can purchase at https://lebellemaison.com/
Top Coat - Pureco Topcoat In Sepia, Driftwood & Sable available from https://lebellemaison.com/

*Some of the above links may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through the affiliate links it will not cost you any extra but it will really help us out to continue to provide you with great content. We appreciate your support.

Let's get started!

This transformation can breathe new life into your furniture and give it a more modern and updated appearance.

• Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready. We'll be using an eco-friendly paint stripper, rubber gloves for safety, a paintbrush to apply the stripper, and a scraper, preferably a carbide scraper, for effective removal.

Additionally, you'll need steel wool, hand sandpaper in 80 grit, 120 grit & 240 grit, microfibre cloths for cleanup, and, optionally, an orbital sander to expedite the process.

• Step 2: Clean the Furniture

The first step in this transformation journey is to give your timber furniture piece a thorough cleaning to remove any loose particles and dust.

This initial cleaning will help ensure that the subsequent steps are as effective as possible.

• Step 3: Apply the Paint Stripper

Now, here comes the crucial part: applying the paint stripper. As mentioned earlier, the reason for using a paint stripper in this project is the intricate detailing of the timber, making it challenging to sand effectively. However, I've opted for an eco-friendly paint stripper that doesn't require a mask, making it safer and more environmentally friendly.

When applying the paint stripper, use a paintbrush to ensure even coverage, especially on the areas where you want to remove the original varnish and stain. Keep in mind that some paint strippers can dry out relatively quickly, so work at a reasonable pace, and don't be too stingy—apply a reasonably thick layer.

• Step 4: Scrape Off the Paint Stripper

With the paint stripper applied, it's time to start gently scraping off the softened varnish and paint. This process may take some time, and it's essential to work in small sections to prevent the paint stripper from hardening again prematurely.

Sometimes, you might need to apply multiple coats and meticulously scrape the surface to achieve the desired result.

• Step 5: Use Steel Wool

After scraping off as much of the varnish and paint stripper as possible, it's time to bring in your trusty steel wool. Steel wool is incredibly effective for removing any remaining paint stripper residue, especially in those hard-to-reach, intricate areas.

You can choose to use it with just water or enhance its cleaning power with methylated spirits.

• Step 6: Sanding

If your furniture piece has intricate details that are challenging to access with a scraper, an orbital sander can be a valuable tool for tackling the larger, more accessible areas.

However, bear in mind that even with an orbital sander, some parts may still require manual sanding to achieve the best results.

• Step 7: Sand with Different Grits

To ensure a smooth and refined finish, it's crucial to sand the timber with varying grits. Start with a coarser 80-grit sandpaper, then progress to 120-grit, and finally, finish with a finer 240-grit sandpaper.

This step ensures that there are no traces left of the original varnish or stain, leaving you with a beautifully smooth surface.

• Step 8: Choose Your Stain

Now that your timber is pristine and prepared, it's time to choose the stain that suits your desired look. Applying the stain with a paintbrush, you can observe how it transforms the appearance of the wood.

This stage allows you to experiment with the colour until you achieve the perfect hue. If necessary, you can apply multiple coats to deepen the colour. 

• Step 9: Add Depth with Darker Stain (Optional)

If you want to add depth and character to your furniture piece, you can opt to apply a darker stain selectively over the base colour. This technique allows you to create contrast and highlights in specific areas. Be sure to wipe off any excess stain with a microfibre cloth to maintain control over the effect.

• Step 10: Apply a White Wax Top Coat

To complete the transformation, consider applying a white wax top coat. This not only adds a protective layer but also imparts a subtle white finish to the wood. The white wax creates a beautiful contrast if you've used darker stains underneath.

Apply the wax generously using a microfibre cloth, and don't hesitate to add multiple layers for a more pronounced white effect.

• Step 11: Final Touches

With the entire process completed, allow your furniture piece to dry completely. Once dry, you can move it to its designated location and add decorative elements to enhance its appearance further. Your beautifully transformed timber furniture is now ready to take center stage in your living space!

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully lighten your timber furniture and give it a new lease on life.

If you would like to see the makeover in action you can watch the step-by-step tutorial on YouTube. Just click here to go straight to the tutorial.