How To Refinish Outdoor Wood Rocking Chair

Rocking chairs are a summer staple, but they can take a beating from the elements. If your wooden rocking chair is looking a little worse for wear, don't worry - it's possible to refinish it and restore it to its former glory. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

### Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start, you'll need to gather all of the necessary materials:

Sandpaper in various grits (80, 120, 220) Wood cleaner Wood conditioner (optional) Wood stain (your choice of color) Polyurethane or varnish Paintbrush or foam brush Rags Safety glasses

### Step 2: Clean the Chair

The first step is to clean the chair thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grime, or mildew that has accumulated on the surface. Use a wood cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the entire chair. Rinse the chair with clean water and allow it to dry completely.

### Step 3: Sand the Chair

Once the chair is clean, you need to sand it to remove the old finish and smooth out the surface. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (80 grit) and gradually work your way up to a finer grit (220 grit). Be sure to sand with the grain of the wood and use a sanding block for even sanding.

### Step 4: Condition the Wood (Optional)

If you're using a wood stain, you may want to condition the wood first. This will help the stain to penetrate the wood more evenly and result in a more durable finish. Apply the wood conditioner according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow it to dry completely.

### Step 5: Stain the Chair

Now it's time to stain the chair. Apply the stain evenly with a paintbrush or foam brush, following the grain of the wood. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. Wipe off any excess stain with a rag.

### Step 6: Apply a Clear Coat

Once the stain has dried, it's time to apply a clear coat to protect the finish. You can use polyurethane or varnish, depending on your preference. Apply the clear coat evenly with a paintbrush or foam brush, following the grain of the wood. Allow the clear coat to dry completely.

### Step 7: Enjoy Your Refinished Chair

Your refinished rocking chair is now ready to enjoy! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

## Tips:

Use a respirator when sanding to avoid inhaling dust.

Test the stain and clear coat in an inconspicuous area first to make sure you're happy with the color and finish.

Apply multiple thin coats of clear coat for a more durable finish.

Allow the chair to dry completely between coats.

Store the chair in a dry place to protect the finish.