We love trying out different refinishing furniture techniques, but without the proper tools, it can be a frustrating and time consuming process. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the essential furniture refinishing tools that every DIY-er should have in their arsenal.
Beginner or not, these tools will make your furniture refinishing projects go smoother and faster. Not to mention, they’ll help you create professional looking results. Let’s dive into these must have tools and why they’re important for refinishing your furniture.
Aside from these furniture refinishing supplies, you’ll also need the necessary tools to get the job done. Both refinishing furniture tools and supplies go hand in hand for a successful project. You’re not going to produce the results you want without the right tools.
Plus, using improper or insufficient tools can cause damage to your furniture and make the refinishing process even more difficult. You don’t want to be fixing mistakes and spending extra time on a project that could have been avoided with the right tools.
Investing in quality furniture refinishing tools will not only make your projects easier but also save you time and money in the long run. These tools can be reused for multiple projects, making them a worthwhile investment for any DIY-er.
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So what are the must have refinishing furniture tools? Let’s break down these items and why you need them. Big or small, they will help you tackle any project, so if you can have them on hand, do it. It’s not a fun situation to be in when you’re halfway through the refinishing process and realize you don’t have a tool or two that you need.
Carbide Scraper
When refinishing, you’ll need to remove the old finish from your furniture before applying a new one. You’ll apply one of these best wood stain removers, let it sit for some time and that’s when a carbide scraper is your best friend. It will make the scrap removal process so much easier and faster.
You use the carbide scraper to remove the softened finish on the wood surface. The sharp blade can also help with any hardened areas that are more difficult to remove. Just remember to use it in the direction of the wood grain and be careful with the blade – it can cut through wood and skin just as easily.
Power Sander
Sandpaper may work for small projects, but if you’re working on a larger piece of furniture or multiple pieces, you’ll want to invest in a power sander. It will save you time and energy, and give you a more even finish.
There are many types of sanders for furniture, including sheet sanders, orbital sanders, and detail sanders. Sheet sanders are rectangular and best for flat surfaces, orbital sanders have a circular form and work through the old finish quickly, and detail sanders are triangle shaped and perfect for detailed or hard to reach areas. You can check out our lists of the best orbital sanders and best detail sanders for recommendations.
A power sander not only sands the surface smooth, but it also helps sand away old paint, stain, and other finishes. These sanders have varying power levels and speeds, so you can adjust to your specific project. You’ll also need the right sandpaper to pair with your sander, so check out the best sandpaper for furniture painting and the best sandpaper for removing paint from wood to learn what kind of sandpaper to use for your particular project.
Shop Vacuum
Working with sandpaper and power sanders can create a lot of dust and debris. That’s where a shop vacuum comes in handy. It will clean up the mess quickly and efficiently, making your workspace safer and cleaner. You can use it for general cleaning purposes as well, making it a multi purpose tool to have in your home.
If you have a sander, some have the option to attach a shop vacuum to them. This allows the sander to suck up the dust as you’re sanding, which can save you even more time and effort in cleaning up. You also don’t have to worry about dust particles floating around and landing on your freshly painted furniture.
Brushes for Stain and Topcoat
Now that you have your furniture stripped and sanded, it’s time to add the stain and topcoat for a beautiful finish. But not just any brush will do. You’ll need specific brushes for applying stain and topcoat to get the best results.
For staining, you’ll want to use a chip brush or a foam brush. Chip brushes are affordable and have natural bristles that are great for spreading the stain evenly and reaching into grooves or corners. Foam brushes are also inexpensive and provide a smooth, consistent application of stain. Plus, they’re disposable so you don’t have to worry about cleaning them after each use. You can learn more about the best brushes for staining wood options here.
When it comes to topcoat, you’ll want a high quality brush like the Zibra topcoat brush. This brush is specifically designed for topcoat application and gives you a professional, streak free finish. If you’re on a budget, you can also use a foam sponge wrapped in pantyhose as an alternative. Check out our best paint brushes for polyurethane where we feature these 2 ways of applying polyurethane.
Sprayer for Stain and Topcoat
If you want a smooth and even finish on your furniture, using a sprayer for stain and topcoat may be the way to go. But can you spray wood with a paint sprayer? The answer is yes! Paint sprayers can be used for more than just applying paint. They are great for staining and topcoating wood as well.
Using a brush can consume more time and leave behind brush strokes or an uneven application. With a paint sprayer, you can quickly and easily cover large areas with a smooth, even coat of stain or topcoat.
If you find yourself constantly working on furniture projects, you should invest in a paint sprayer that can handle paint, stain, and topcoat. Here are the best HVLP paint sprayers for furniture that we recommend, and you can check out our guide on how to use a paint sprayer to help you be confident in using this tool.
With these tools in hand, you’ll be well equipped to refinish your furniture like a pro. Some of these tools will need a bit of an investment and practice, but they will save you time and give you better results in the long run.
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