How do I strip/remove a thick layer of finish and stain wood a darker color?

Question

I am about to be gifted a very nice queen sized bed frame but the color of the wood is far too light and I want to strip off the finish, stain it darker and put on a new layer of finish. Is this possible?

If so please be detailed in explaining the process as I have never done such a project before.

Answer 1

disassemble the bed,...headboard, footboard , 2 rails

Get a long denim work apron. a long sleeved shirt you don't care about, old shoes,rubber gloves ( the heavy refinishing kind that Formby sells) dust mask, Goggle eye protection

1 gallon furniture stripper, putty knife, wire brush, package of steel wool

you flood on the stripper with an old paintbrush, let it set for a few minutes until the finish bubbles... use knife brush and steel wool to remove old finish... repeat until you're satisfied, you will never get it all

The original stain will remain... lightly sand the surface... flood on your new color with an old rag or wad of papertowels..wait a few minutes..wipe off excess,..repeat until you get color you want..

you can combine two colors to get a third...

To check on progress let dry.. then wipe area with damp rag, that will be your final color... you can always darken, but you can't go back to lighter...

Once you have your color, apply your finish.. if you use polyuerthane varnish, you brush it on in one direction, let dry.. lightly sand.. repeat..

3-4 coats then wax with automotive paste wax......

there have been volumes and volumes written on this subject, but this is the basics......email if you need specifics...