An Etsy store owner focused on vintage clothing and jewelry, Hayley Ninnis also recently purchased a house built in 1884 to restore and sell it. As part of her work, Hayley Ninnis is learning to refinish furniture and woodwork.

1. ON REFINISHING AND
STAINING WOODWORK
By Hayley Ninnis

2. Introduction
 An Etsy store owner focused on vintage clothing and
jewelry, Hayley Ninnis also recently purchased a
house built in 1884 to restore and sell it. As part of her
work, Hayley Ninnis is learning to refinish furniture
and woodwork.
Refinishing woodwork for a cleaning project or a
complete restoration can bring new beauty into a
home. Before beginning any project, whether
restoration of an old chair or improving faded millwork,
check to make sure you have all of the proper tools
and that nothing has dried up or become brittle. One
factor to consider is the type of job and what type of
stripper it will require.

3. Woodwork
 For finish removal, use a thin stripper that is less likely to
soak into the wood. For paint, which is thicker and tends to
stick to the wood more, use a thick, clinging stripper. Other
essential items include sandpaper or a power sander, the
appropriate stains and finishes, and good cloths or brushes to
apply the products.
After stripping the wood, choosing a wood stain can
determine whether the project will succeed and fail. Oil-based
stains are some of the most popular and come in penetrating
or pigmented (non-penetrating) varieties. Penetrating stains
are wiped away after the wood has turned the desired color,
which can create uneven coloring. Pigmented stains are best
for lightening or slight darkening of hardwoods, but the color
fades with time and must be sealed well. Non-grain-raising
stains create a uniform color on hardwoods and do not bleed
or fade. For projects in which the finish is still in good
condition, the wood may only need to be cleaned to restore
its color.