{"id":5671,"date":"2025-09-19T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-20T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/?p=5671"},"modified":"2026-05-05T04:15:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T09:15:39","slug":"refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/home-improvement\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture.html","title":{"rendered":"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture: 8 Proven Steps for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Refinishing mid century modern furniture<\/strong> is one of the best ways to protect the value of classic walnut, teak, and rosewood pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you love <a href=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/guide\/mcm-collection\">mid century modern wood furniture<\/a> like I do, you\u2019ve probably brought home a vintage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/furniture\/living-room-furniture\/tv-stands.html\">TV shelf<\/a> or side cabinet with deep scratches and wondered how to start restoring it. To restore their timeless beauty, the right process makes all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a DIY beginner or a design enthusiast, this refinishing mid century modern furniture guide will walk you through the exact steps needed to restore and protect your furniture the right way. Here, you\u2019ll learn how to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Assess the Piece and Plan Your Work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Gather tools, materials, and safety gear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Clean and strip the old finish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Sand the surface smooth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> Repair veneer and fill damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 6:<\/strong> Restore or adjust the color<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 7:<\/strong> Apply the protective finish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 8:<\/strong> Final buffing and waxing<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This is the eight-step process I&#8217;ve derived from personal experimentation<\/strong> to transform scratched, faded furniture into showroom-quality mid-century modern pieces\u2014 but which step brings about the biggest change? Read on to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#why-refinish-mid-century-modern-furniture-instead-of-replacing\">Why Refinish Instead of Replace?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-a-step-by-step-process\">Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture: 8-Step Process<\/a><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#howto-step-1758180744734\">Step 1: Assess the Piece and Plan Your Work<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#howto-step-1758181123388\">Step 2: Gather tools, materials, and safety gear<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#howto-step-1758181623989\">Step 3: Clean and Strip the Old Finish<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#howto-step-1758183545279\">Step 4: Sand the Surface Smooth<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#howto-step-1758184126502\">Step 5: Repair Veneer and Fill Imperfections<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#howto-step-1758185132646\">Step 6: Restore or Adjust the Color<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#howto-step-1758186063880\">Step 7: Apply the Protective Finish<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#howto-step-1758186540287\">Step 8: Final Buffing and Waxing<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#mid-century-modern-furniture-refinishing-resources\">Mid Century Modern Furniture Refinishing Resources<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#f\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#f-1\">FAQ<\/a><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1758191092797\">What finish was used on mid century furniture?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1758248339616\">What kind of wood was used in mid-century modern furniture?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1758248415940\">Is all mid-century furniture veneer?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-question-1758248456597\">How much does it cost to have a piece of furniture refinished?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-refinish-mid-century-modern-furniture-instead-of-replacing\">Why Refinish Instead of Replace?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"451\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/why-refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-matters-1024x451.webp\" alt=\"Why Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Matters?\" class=\"wp-image-5672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/why-refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-matters-1024x451.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/why-refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-matters-300x132.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/why-refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-matters-768x338.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/why-refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-matters-1536x677.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/why-refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-matters-18x8.webp 18w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/why-refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-matters.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Many mid century modern (MCM) pieces feature rare veneers like teak and rosewood.<\/strong> Once sanded away, these materials cannot be replaced with modern equivalents. Refinishing mid century modern furniture protects thin veneers, restores original tones, and prevents further deterioration. If your goal is to keep a cohesive living room style rather than restore every single piece, pairing refinished wood furniture with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/collections\/mid-century-modern-sofas\">mid century modern sofa<\/a> can help the space feel updated while preserving the original design language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/\">pre assembled furniture<\/a>, such as a dresser, bought for $200 at a flea market can gain ten times its value after refinishing, especially if it\u2019s a recognizable design. That why refinishing is worth the effort: <strong>it saves money, reduces waste, and preserves a piece of design history<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Note:<\/strong> When in doubt about a piece\u2019s value, stop and ask an expert. Leaving it as-is could preserve its higher worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-a-step-by-step-process\">Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture: 8-Step Process<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-howto\" class=\"rank-math-block\" >\n<div class=\"rank-math-howto-description\">\n\n<p>Mid century modern furniture refinishing is about <strong>removing the old finish, repairing damage, and protecting the wood with a fresh, durable coat<\/strong>. By following these steps, you can restore the beauty of your dresser, sideboard, or table without risking the delicate veneers that define authentic MCM design.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"rank-math-steps \">\n<div id=\"howto-step-1758180744734\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 1: Assess the Piece and Plan Your Work<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"897\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-1-assess-the-piece-and-plan-your-work.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Step 1: Assess the Piece and Plan Your Work\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-1-assess-the-piece-and-plan-your-work.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-1-assess-the-piece-and-plan-your-work-300x140.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-1-assess-the-piece-and-plan-your-work-1024x478.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-1-assess-the-piece-and-plan-your-work-768x359.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-1-assess-the-piece-and-plan-your-work-1536x718.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-1-assess-the-piece-and-plan-your-work-18x8.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p>Inspect structure (loose legs, sticky drawers), veneer (lifting, missing), and the original finish. Most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/guide\/mcm-collection\">mid-century modern furniture products<\/a> were finished with <strong>toned lacquer or conversion varnish<\/strong>.<br \/>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Note:<\/strong> If you see heavy veneer loss, structural breaks, or deep burns, professional services are recommended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1758181123388\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 2: Gather tools, materials, and safety gear<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-2-gather-tools-materials-and-safety-gear.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Step 2: Gather tools, materials, and safety gear\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-2-gather-tools-materials-and-safety-gear.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-2-gather-tools-materials-and-safety-gear-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-2-gather-tools-materials-and-safety-gear-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-2-gather-tools-materials-and-safety-gear-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-2-gather-tools-materials-and-safety-gear-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p>Safe refinishing requires the right equipment. You&#8217;ll need:<br \/>\u278a a random orbital sander (120\u2013320 grit discs)<br \/>\u278b a plastic scraper<br \/>\u278c a steel wool<br \/>\u278d a tack cloth<br \/>\u278e clamps <br \/>Materials include:<br \/>\u278a a stripper<br \/>\u278b mineral spirits<br \/>\u278c a wood filler<br \/>\u278d matching veneer sheets<br \/>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Note:<\/strong> A respirator with P100 filters, chemical-resistant gloves, and eye protection are required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1758181623989\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 3: Clean and Strip the Old Finish<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1509\" height=\"789\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-3-clean-and-strip-the-old-finish.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Step 3: Clean and Strip the Old Finish\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-3-clean-and-strip-the-old-finish.webp 1509w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-3-clean-and-strip-the-old-finish-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-3-clean-and-strip-the-old-finish-1024x535.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-3-clean-and-strip-the-old-finish-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-3-clean-and-strip-the-old-finish-18x9.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1509px) 100vw, 1509px\" \/><p><strong>Begin with a mild degreaser to clean the surface<\/strong>. For bubbled or cracked finishes, apply an EPA-approved stripper. After the set time, scrape carefully with a plastic blade. Wipe residue with mineral spirits or clean water, and let the piece dry for <strong>at least 24 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1758183545279\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 4: Sand the Surface Smooth<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1305\" height=\"822\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-4-sand-the-surface-smooth.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Step 4: Sand the Surface Smooth\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-4-sand-the-surface-smooth.webp 1305w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-4-sand-the-surface-smooth-300x189.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-4-sand-the-surface-smooth-1024x645.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-4-sand-the-surface-smooth-768x484.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-4-sand-the-surface-smooth-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1305px) 100vw, 1305px\" \/><p>Start with 150 grit to level imperfections, move to 180 and 220 for refinement, and finish at 320 grit. <strong>Always sand with the grain<\/strong>. Corners and carved details should be hand-sanded with a sponge or steel wool to prevent cutting through thin veneers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1758184126502\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 5: Repair Veneer and Fill Imperfections<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1275\" height=\"654\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-5-repair-veneer-and-fill-imperfections.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Step 5: Repair Veneer and Fill Imperfections\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-5-repair-veneer-and-fill-imperfections.webp 1275w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-5-repair-veneer-and-fill-imperfections-300x154.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-5-repair-veneer-and-fill-imperfections-1024x525.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-5-repair-veneer-and-fill-imperfections-768x394.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-5-repair-veneer-and-fill-imperfections-18x9.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1275px) 100vw, 1275px\" \/><p>Re-glue lifted veneer and clamp, and replace missing sections with grain-matched teak\/walnut veneer. <strong>Deep scratches and chips are filled with wood filler or epoxy, then sanded flush<\/strong>. For water rings or heat marks, apply Mohawk Super Blush Retarder; if stains penetrate, use oxalic acid bleach before refinishing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1758185132646\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 6: Restore or Adjust the Color<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1263\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-6-restore-or-adjust-the-color.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Step 6: Restore or Adjust the Color\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-6-restore-or-adjust-the-color.webp 1263w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-6-restore-or-adjust-the-color-300x159.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-6-restore-or-adjust-the-color-1024x542.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-6-restore-or-adjust-the-color-768x406.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-6-restore-or-adjust-the-color-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-6-restore-or-adjust-the-color-720x380.webp 720w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1263px) 100vw, 1263px\" \/><p>Mid century modern furniture was rarely oiled; most had <strong>toned lacquer<\/strong>. To restore faded wood, apply a toner spray or light stain. Always test color on scrap first. A blended lacquer-toner combination recreates the warm depth that defines authentic MCM furniture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1758186063880\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 7: Apply the Protective Finish<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1292\" height=\"645\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-7-apply-the-protective-finish.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Step 7: Apply the Protective Finish\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-7-apply-the-protective-finish.webp 1292w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-7-apply-the-protective-finish-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-7-apply-the-protective-finish-1024x511.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-7-apply-the-protective-finish-768x383.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-7-apply-the-protective-finish-18x9.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1292px) 100vw, 1292px\" \/><p>Apply thin coats of aerosol lacquer or use an HVLP spray gun\u2014<strong>4\u20136 coats<\/strong> is typical. Between coats, scuff lightly with 320\u2013400 grit to ensure adhesion. Dry thoroughly between layers in a ventilated workspace, following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/wood-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OSHA<\/a> safety standards for VOC exposure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"howto-step-1758186540287\" class=\"rank-math-step\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-step-title \">Step 8: Final Buffing and Waxing<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-step-content \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-8-final-buffing-and-waxing-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Refinishing Mid Century Modern Furniture Step 8: Final Buffing and Waxing\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-8-final-buffing-and-waxing-1.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-8-final-buffing-and-waxing-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-8-final-buffing-and-waxing-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-8-final-buffing-and-waxing-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/refinishing-mid-century-modern-furniture-step-8-final-buffing-and-waxing-1-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p>After the finish cures\u2014usually <strong>24 to 48 hours<\/strong>\u2014buff gently with ultra-fine steel wool or polishing compound. Apply a thin wax coat to add sheen and protect the lacquer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>You can also watch the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uKKBpvrnlMA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video<\/a> and learn how to refinish mid century modern furniture by yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mid-century-modern-furniture-refinishing-resources\">Mid Century Modern Furniture Refinishing Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want reliable next steps, here are 4 trusted resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Park Service Conserve-O-Gram<\/strong>: Technical guides for historic furniture finishes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>US Forest Service Wood Handbook<\/strong>: Material science for veneer, adhesives, and finishing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Iowa State University Extension<\/strong>: Stain and water damage removal methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local Forums &amp; Social Media<\/strong>: You can discuss with DIYers and professionals on Reddit, Facebook, or local forums to refine your furniture restoration process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"f\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Refinishing mid century modern furniture is more than a weekend project\u2014it\u2019s an act of preservation. By following 8 proven steps, using proper safety methods, and exploring credible refinishing resources, you ensure your furniture looks authentic and remains durable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you DIY or hire a professional, mid century modern furniture restoration keeps these icons alive for the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want something affordable and cheerful to upgrade your space rather than refinishing and repairing, from vintage dining chairs to comfortable sofas, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/\">POVISON store<\/a> has what you want. For a living room that needs both retro character and everyday lounging comfort, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/collections\/mid-century-modern-reclining-sofas\">mid century modern reclining sofa<\/a> can keep the clean MCM look while adding a more relaxed, functional seating experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"f-1\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1758191092797\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What finish was used on mid century furniture?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Mid century furniture used two primary types of finishes: oil-based finishes such as Danish oil and tung oil, as well as lacquer finishes like nitrocellulose lacquer and conversion varnish.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1758248339616\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What kind of wood was used in mid-century modern furniture?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Teak, walnut, mahogany, oak, and elm were especially popular in mid century modern furniture, grouped into either hardwood or softwood types.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1758248415940\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is all mid-century furniture veneer?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, many authentic mid-century modern furniture pieces are made with wood veneer to create stable and smooth surfaces.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1758248456597\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How much does it cost to have a piece of furniture refinished?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>On average, refurbishing furniture runs $629, with a range of $300\u2013$1,500. For professional mid century modern furniture restoration, expect $600\u2013$1,700 based on condition.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Refinishing mid century modern furniture is one of the best ways to protect the value&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5712,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[27],"class_list":["post-5671","post","type-post","status-publish","format-image","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-improvement","tag-home-tips","post_format-post-format-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5671","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5671"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5671\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10921,"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5671\/revisions\/10921"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5712"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5671"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5671"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.povison.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5671"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}