To refinish furniture with polyurethanes, shellacs & lacquers Step 1: Clean and remove all the old finish with a chemical stripper and sand paper. Step 2: Make any necessary repairs using a wood putty that matches the natural color of your furniture Step 3: Use a wood conditioner to prepare the surface for staining or painting Step 4: Apply Stain or Paint of your choice. Step 5: Seal the new stain with a clear varnish or polyurethane in the sheen you prefer. Step 6: Sometimes a light sanding between coats is required to maintain a smooth finish