Thank you for reading the first blog post of this website. My intention for this blog is to demonstrate the work we do and provide some info to others with similar projects. As writing a blog is new to me, the first post is about a service we recently learned to provide, wood refinishing. We can bring back the original, natural beauty of wood features in your home rather than paint over. We find this being requested more often as homeowners want to balance modern trends with timeless looks. 

Interior Wood Refinishing: How we do it

Refinishing interior wood surfaces is something we’ve grown to love. Restoring wood with rich colours inside a home is something that can rejuvenate the atmosphere of a space. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with a repeat client to restore and refresh the original doors, window frames, and solid wood baseboards in their home. Here’s how we did it:

Sanding and Stripping: Doors vs baseboards

At this client’s home, we found sanding to be the most efficient way to remove the original varnish/stain and get down to the bare wood on the doors. While we tried a chemical stripper, the original coat was so thick that it couldn’t be fully removed with the product. The curved shape of the baseboards along with the thinner coat of varnish made it easier to remove with a chemical stripper and scraping using a curved tool. 

After the initial removal with the chemical stripper, we also gave the baseboards a careful sand at the end to ensure a smooth surface. 

Be it the doors or the baseboards, removing the original finish is a crucial step in getting the wood ready to be refinished again. In doing so, we ensure that the wood is ready to be conditioned, and then stained with the new product. 

Wood Conditioner

Once the wood was prepared, we applied a pre-stain wood conditioner. This step was especially important with the baseboards, which had been treated with chemical stripper and sandpaper. The conditioner penetrates the wood fibers to create a texture-consistent surface that prepares the final stain to coat evenly and last. Think of it like primer on fresh drywall. 

Staining

With the wood properly prepared and conditioned, we applied the stain. The stain not only enhanced the natural grain of the wood but also brought out its rich, warm tones. In being patient with the application, we ensured that the stain coated evenly across the flat surfaces of the doors, and the curved ridges of the baseboards. We work with your local paint store to get the stain colour you are looking for.

Sealing with Polyurethane

To protect the freshly stained wood and give it a lasting finish, we finished the restoration process with a polyurethane sealant. This topcoat not only enhances the final sheen but also provides resistance against moisture, scratches, and daily wear. The polyurethane finish seals everything in, ensuring the wood remains vibrant and well-protected.