Restoring Antique Pub‑Style Oak Chairs

A Client’s Antique Oak Chairs Get a Fresh Start

There’s something special about antique pub‑style chairs—the weight of the wood, the craftsmanship, the character etched into every spindle. So when a client brought me two well‑loved oak chairs in need of a refresh, I couldn’t wait to dive in.

One chair had paint spilled across the seat, and both showed the kind of wear that only decades of use can create. They had great bones, though, and I knew they’d shine again with the right care.

Scraping Before Sanding: A Smart Start

I began by sanding the seats, but it quickly became clear that the old finish was clogging the sandpaper faster than I could replace it. Rather than burn through a mountain of sanding discs, I switched to a scraper—and that was the game‑changer.

The old finish lifted off easily, which was a relief because these chairs have plenty of detail on the legs and spindles. For those tighter areas, I used a smaller specialty scraper to get into every curve and groove.

Sanding for a Smooth, Even Finish

Once the bulk of the finish was removed, I moved back to sanding:

• 100 grit to level and smooth

• 180 grit to refine

• 220 grit for that silky final touch

My orbital sander handled the larger surfaces, while a detail sander helped me reach the more intricate sections. After all the sanding was complete, I wiped everything down with a damp cloth to remove every trace of dust.

A Rich, Warm Finish with Cappuccino Stain & Finishing Oil

To bring out the natural beauty of the oak, I used Fusion Mineral Paint’s Stain & Finishing Oil in Cappuccino. Working in sections, I applied the stain and wiped back the excess as I went. The color added warmth and depth without hiding the grain—exactly what these chairs deserved.

A Transformation the Client Loved

When the chairs were finished, they looked like the best version of themselves: classic, warm, and beautifully refreshed. My client absolutely loved the transformation, and these chairs are now ready for many more years of use and admiration.