Scrolling through Facebook Marketplace as I so often do, I spotted this rough-looking buffet/cabinet listed for just $50. When something like this catches my eye, I immediately start trying to picture where I could use it in my own home. Thankfully, the seller included the measurements, and I knew exactly where it could go – my small entry nook.
So of course, we bought it and brought it home.
And when I say it was “rough”, I mean rough. The heavily lacquered finish was chipping, there were white marks that appeared to be paint, and one of the doorknobs was missing. But never mind all that. It was $50, it had character, and it was about to become my very first furniture refinishing project using stain. What did I have to lose?
Learning as I Went
I used no stripping solvents whatsoever. Instead, I sanded the old finish away – something that, in hindsight, probably wasn’t the best or easiest approach! I used a corner/detail sander for most of the cabinet and sanded the more intricate areas by hand.
Once I’d finally removed enough of the old finish, it was time to bring the wood back to life. I wiped everything down thoroughly to remove the sanding dust and applied Minwax Gel Stain in Walnut.
I’ve found that I really enjoy working with gel stain. For me, it’s easier to control that traditional stain, especially on a project like this.
After the stain dried, I finished the cabinet with generous amounts of Minwax Dark Finishing Paste Wax. Polyurethane is a popular choice for refinished furniture, but I love the smooth, natural-looking finish that wax gives an older piece.
Still a Favorite
Today, the cabinet sits in my entry, where it conveniently hies my purse and all of those little things that need somewhere to live.
Is it perfect? Absolutely not. It was my first refinishing project, and there are certainly things I’d do differently now.
But that’s part of why I love it.
For $50, some stain, a lot of sanding, and a little trial and error, I ended up with a piece full of character – and years later, it’s still probably my favorite piece of furniture in the house.
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