Refinishing a Wood Countertop

You don't have to replace your worn-out wood countertops. You can strip the paint and refinish them instead.

Painted wooden countertops can be stripped and refinished if you prefer the natural look of wood.

All About

Product Ideas

Materials and Tools:

good rubber gloves
wide putty knife
paintbrush
sponge brush
dust mask
nylon abrasive pad
steel wool
palm sander (optional)
sand block with different grades of sandpaper
tack cloth
safety glasses
tarp or drop cloth
non-toxic gel stripper
small bucket or other container

Paint stripper is corrosive and can emit harmful fumes. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses, and be sure to have proper ventilation.

Steps:

Cover the floors and surrounding area with a tarp or plastic sheeting material.
Brush the gel evenly onto the countertop. Work in small sections, and apply the gel in the direction of the wood grain.
Allow 10 to 30 minutes (depending on the manufacturer's instructions) for the stripper to set up, and then scrape it off with a putty knife. Be careful not to gouge the wood.
Use steel wool and lacquer thinner to remove additional grit and clean the wood. Wipe off any excess thinner with rags. Never use lacquer thinner near open flame or sparks.
Sand out any scratches and gouges. Start with 150-grit sandpaper and finish with 220-grit sandpaper. Sand in the direction of the wood grain. Clean the countertop with tack cloth to remove any dust. For deep gouges, you may want to use a vibrating sander. Use wood filler to repair gouges that can't be sanded out.
Use a wide sponge brush to apply three coats of oil-based polyurethane. Thin the first coat with mineral spirits for better flow and coverage. Apply the polyurethane in the direction of the wood grain. Oil-based polyurethane is both durable and water-resistant. Sponge brushes provide even coverage and don't leave brush marks. You may want to stain the wood before you apply the polyurethane, or you may want to use polyurethane that includes stain.