Bamboo furniture is beloved for its natural beauty, sustainability, and strength. But over time, that smooth bamboo surface can start to show some wear and tear. Don’t worry – refinishing bamboo furniture is an easy weekend project that will have your pieces looking brand new again. With a little time and some basic supplies, you can give tired bamboo a fresh look.
Why Refinish Bamboo Furniture?
There are a few reasons you may want to refinish your bamboo:
- To revive the original color. Over time, bamboo can start to look dull or faded from sunlight and regular use. Refinishing will make it look rich and vibrant again.
- To change the color. Did you inherit some bamboo furniture but the reddish-brown hue doesn’t work with your decor? Refinishing allows you to stain it any color you like.
- To remove scratches and water marks. Refinishing makes surface blemishes disappear.
- To repair peeling or damaged finish. If the protective sealant has worn off, refinishing will add a fresh new coat.
- To deep clean embedded dirt. Refinishing really lets you get into all the nooks and crannies.
Supplies Needed for Refinishing Bamboo
Refinishing bamboo furniture doesn’t require any fancy tools – just a few basic supplies from your local hardware store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sandpaper: 120 grit and 220 grit, used in progression to smooth and prep the surface.
- Tack cloth: To wipe away dust between sanding.
- Painter’s tape: To mask off edges, legs and hardware you don’t want stained.
- Oil-based stain: For color. Pick a stain formulated for bamboo.
- Polyurethane: A clear topcoat to protect the finish. Water-based or oil-based are both fine.
- Paintbrushes/foam brushes: To apply stain and polyurethane. Disposable foam brushes are inexpensive and work well.
- Drop cloths: To protect your floors and surfaces from drips and spills.
You may also want mineral spirits for cleaning brushes and rags. Now let’s go over the simple process step-by-step.
How to Refinish Bamboo Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide
Refinishing bamboo only takes a few steps, though you’ll need to allow drying time between stages. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Prepare your workspace
- Sand the bamboo
- Wipe clean and apply stain
- Seal with polyurethane topcoats
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Choose an area that is well-ventilated, protected from dust, and where you can leave projects to dry undisturbed. Your garage or outdoor patio are ideal spots. Lay down drop cloths to protect any surfaces from drips and spills.
Make sure children and pets are kept away from fumes and wet finishes. Open windows and use fans or air filters if needed.
For large or unmovable pieces like beds, you’ll need to refinish in place. Protect the surrounding floors with plastic sheeting taped down along the edges. Remove any hardware like knobs or pulls and set it aside (we’ll reattach later after refinishing).
Gather all your supplies and have them handy – once you start the process, you won’t want drips or spills to dry before you get to them.
Step 2: Sand the Bamboo Surface
Sanding prepares the bamboo for refinishing by smoothing the surface, removing any gloss, and opening up the pores so the wood can absorb new stain.
Start with a 120 grit sandpaper. Lightly sand in the direction of the grain, using smooth, even strokes. Don’t press too hard or you may scratch the surface.
Sand every surface – fronts, sides, legs, even underneath. Pay special attention to smoothing any rough areas or flaws.
Once you’ve sanded thoroughly with 120 grit, wipe away all dust with your tack cloth. This prevents dust nibs when you apply your next coat.
Next, repeat the sanding process using 220 grit sandpaper. This finer grit will create a smooth-as-silk foundation for your new finish.
Finish with another pass of the tack cloth to pick up any remaining dust before moving to the staining stage.
Pro Tip: Always sand with the bamboo grain, never across it. Cross-grain sanding can leave unsightly scratches.
Step 3: Clean Surface and Apply Stain
With the bamboo sanded and dust-free, you’re ready for the fun part – choosing a new color!
If your piece has an existing finish, wipe the entire surface with a clean, damp cloth. This removes any residue so the new stain can properly penetrate. Allow to fully dry.
Before committing to a whole piece, do a color test with your chosen stain on a small, inconspicuous area. Bamboo can absorb stain differently than other woods. Apply according to the manufacturer’s directions. Let it sit 10-15 minutes so the color can fully develop, then wipe away any excess.
Once you’ve confirmed the color, go ahead and apply stain over the entire piece using a clean paintbrush. Work in smooth, even strokes following the grain of the wood. Apply liberally and let the stain really soak in for 10-15 minutes.
Use a clean lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any excess stain that hasn’t absorbed into the bamboo. Work with the grain direction. Allow to dry per manufacturer’s instructions – this usually takes at least 8 to 24 hours.
Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want stained, like legs or edges. Remove tape immediately after staining while the stain is still wet.
Step 4: Seal with Polyurethane
The final step is applying a clear polyurethane topcoat to seal and protect the stain. Poly adds a glossy finish and prevents scratches, water damage and fading over time.
First, make sure your stain is fully cured. Check the manufacturer’s directions. Then, apply the first coat of polyurethane using a high quality natural bristle brush or disposable foam brush. Maintain a “wet edge” and overlap strokes to prevent drips.
Allow the first coat to dry as directed, usually at least 8 to 24 hours. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth any raised grain or brush marks.
Wipe away dust with a tack cloth and apply a second coat of polyurethane. For extra protection, add a third coat following the same process.
Allow the final coat to cure for several days before placing heavy objects on the surface or putting furniture back into use. The full cure time is essential for maximum durability.
Pro Tips:
- Stir polyurethane well before using and apply thin coats. Thick coats can get gummy.
- Work in a dust-free area – floating dust leads to imperfections.
- Use painter’s tape to protect edges and hardware from drips.
- Dispose of rags coated in stain or polyurethane properly to prevent fires.
- A water-based poly dries faster than oil-based if time is limited.
Tips for Success Refinishing Bamboo
Follow these tips and tricks for getting professional-looking results refinishing your bamboo:
- Test stain on an inconspicuous spot first to confirm you like the color. Bamboo can absorb stain differently than expected.
- Apply painter’s tape around edges, joints, and hardware before staining to keep those areas clean. Remove tape immediately after staining while stain is still wet.
- Only apply stain and polyurethane in ideal weather – not too hot, cold, humid, or dry. This helps the finish cure properly.
- Work in small sections during staining to prevent lap marks and drips from dried edges.
- Pour any leftover stain back through a filter into the can. This prevents lumps from dried stain ruining the remainder.
- Let stain and polyurethane dry fully between coats. Waiting until finishes feel “touch-dry” isn’t enough. Follow manufacturer’s directions for cure times.
- Sand lightly between polyurethane topcoats using 220 grit paper to ensure adhesion and a smooth finish.
- Clean brushes with mineral spirits after using oil-based products. Dispose of oily rags properly to prevent fire hazard.
- When working in place, cover surrounding surfaces with plastic sheeting and tape down the edges to protect from drips.
- If using water-based polyurethane, don’t shake the can. This creates bubbles that impact the finish. Instead, gently stir before applying.
Caring for Bamboo Furniture
With your freshly refinished bamboo furniture looking like new, you’ll want to keep it that way. Follow these care tips:
- Use coasters under hot beverages or water glasses to prevent white rings.
- Immediately wipe up any spills to keep moisture from penetrating the finish.
- Use felt pads under any items that may scratch the surface.
- Avoid direct sunlight which can cause fading and discoloration over time. Rotate pieces occasionally.
- Dust frequently with a microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup, which can abrade the finish.
- Clean only with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh cleaners or ammonia.
- Consider reapplying a fresh coat of polyurethane sealant every 2-3 years to maintain the protective barrier.
- For a quick touch up between refinishing, use an oil-soap blend to gently clean and nourish the wood.
- Inspect bamboo pieces regularly for any signs of finish wear, cracks, or checking. Address flaws quickly to prevent further damage.
- Use furniture coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect surfaces and prevent premature wear.
- Avoid placing bamboo furnishings near heating/air vents which can dry out the wood over time.
- Control indoor humidity year round. Bamboo can shrink and crack if the air is too dry.
- Lift pieces when moving rather than dragging across the floor to prevent scuffing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refinishing Bamboo
What type of stain should I use?
For best results, select a penetrating oil-based stain formulated specifically for use on bamboo. Many brands like Minwax, Varathane, or General Finishes offer bamboo stains. The oil-base provides rich color saturation.
Do I have to sand bamboo before restaining?
Yes, sanding is a must. It allows the wood to absorb the new stain evenly by removing any existing finish and smoothing the surface. Always sand with the grain.
How do I get white water stains out of my bamboo?
White rings or clouding are caused by moisture penetrating the finish. Try lightly sanding the affected area with 220 grit sandpaper before refinishing to help draw out the moisture. Prevent future stains by using coasters religiously.
Can I change the color of my bamboo furniture dramatically?
Bamboo takes stain differently than other woods due to its dense grain. Dramatic color changes can be tricky. Test different stains on a hidden spot first to ensure the bamboo will absorb the color you want.
Is refinishing bamboo furniture difficult for a beginner?
Not at all! As long as you take the process step-by-step, anyone can refinish bamboo furniture – no fancy tools or experience required. Just be patient waiting for stains and finishes to fully cure between steps.
What finish should I use to protect bamboo?
An oil-based polyurethane is best for protecting bamboo furniture. Water-based poly dries faster but oil-based poly provides better moisture protection. Apply at least 2-3 coats for durability, sanding lightly between each.
Can I use water-based polyurethane on bamboo?
Yes, water-based poly will work. It dries faster than oil-based for quicker project completion. The downside is that water-based poly won’t highlight bamboo’s natural grain as beautifully.
How long does it take to refinish bamboo furniture?
Expect the process to take a full weekend, not counting cure times. Refinishing goes quickly, but you need to wait 8-24 hours between sanding, staining, and coating with polyurethane. Proper drying is crucial.
What finish is best for high-use bamboo pieces like dining tables?
Frequently used bamboo needs maximum protection. Use an oil-based stain for rich color and penetration. Follow with 3-4 coats of high-quality oil-based poly, sanding between each application.
Revive Your Bamboo Furniture Today!
As you can see, refinishing bamboo furniture is an easy DIY project that makes a dramatic difference. With just a little time invested, you can revive your beloved bamboo pieces to look like new again. No special skills are required!
Bamboo’s natural beauty shines when given the proper care and refinishing. Follow the steps and tips outlined here, allow plenty of drying time between steps, and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous, refreshed bamboo furniture.
So gather your supplies, pick a spot with good ventilation, and get ready to breathe new life into tired bamboo furniture. That wonderful warm hue and silky-smooth finish is just a weekend away!