About Strip and Stain

Practical guides to stripping, sanding, staining, painting and repairing wood furniture, from antique tables and cane chairs to kitchen cabinets.

Who this site is for

For homeowners and DIYers who want to fix, refinish or repaint wood furniture and cabinets themselves.

How the guides are written

  • Answer first. Each guide leads with the direct answer, then explains the why and the how.
  • Practical numbers. Concrete values you can use, with ranges rather than false precision.
  • Connected, not repeated. Short, focused articles link to the in-depth guide for their topic, so you can go as deep as you need.
  • Dated. Every article shows when it was published.

Please note

These guides are general information; always follow the label directions for strippers, finishes and tools, and work with good ventilation and protective gear.

Where to start

browse every topic.