refinish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refinish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of restoring or improving the surface of an object, typically furniture or floors, by sanding and applying a new finish. Example: "After years of wear and tear, I decided to refinish the old dining table to bring back its original beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Among the advantages of the system are the quicker turnaround of ships and planes through the reduction in formalities of customs examinations and also the ability to fabricate, refinish, and store goods freely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the insurance company quit laughing they did pay to refinish our floors.

The New Yorker

If, on the other hand, the rest of your home is in pristine like-new condition, it would probably pay to refinish the floors, Ms. Braddock said, "so the buyer has nothing to complain about".

The New York Times

Before opening the condo, they will refinish the apartments and redesign the building's public spaces.

The New York Times

"It had black floors," she said, which they knew would be expensive to refinish.

The New York Times

We won a few bids and learned how to sand and refinish hardwood floors as we went along.

The New York Times

Mr. Lewk occasionally commandeers a little alcove near an emergency exit for use as a studio, where he can work on a painting or refinish a chair, as he recently had; the two men sometimes shot the breeze in the hallway.

The New York Times

The doors and facings are what you refinish: before staining or painting them, they need to be sanded or stripped.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I had a not-so-great experience with my mortgage company and thought there had to be a better way," said Ms. Birthwright, who used the 203(k) for $281,000 in mortgage costs plus $10,000 to refinish the wood floors and patch holes left behind by the previous owners.

The New York Times

Around that time, Dzurlic contracted a Bronx-based construction foreman to sand and refinish the floors of his house.

The New York Times - Magazine

If the hardwood stairs look worn, though, you should refinish them or add a carpet runner down the center that leaves the edges of each step exposed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the process of restoring wood furniture or floors, use "refinish" to clearly communicate the action of sanding and applying a new finish to improve its appearance and durability.

Common error

Avoid using "refinish" when simply cleaning or polishing a surface; "refinish" implies a more involved process of sanding and applying a new coat of varnish, paint, or other finish.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "refinish" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of applying a new finish to something, often wood or furniture, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. This action typically involves sanding and preparing the surface before applying a new coat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refinish" is a versatile transitive verb that describes the process of restoring a surface by sanding and applying a new finish. As highlighted by Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in contexts related to home improvement and furniture restoration. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both professional and informal communication. Common related phrases include "restore the finish" and "apply a fresh coat". When using "refinish", remember that it implies a more involved process than simply cleaning or polishing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restore the finish

Focuses on bringing back the original state of the finish.

recoat

Suggests applying a new coating over an existing one.

apply a fresh coat

Highlights the action of adding a new layer of protective or decorative substance.

resurface

Implies creating a new surface layer.

renew the surface

Emphasizes the revitalization of the outermost layer.

sand and revarnish

Details the process of preparing and applying a new varnish.

revamp the appearance

Focuses on improving the overall look or aesthetic.

touch up the surface

Implies making minor repairs or improvements to the surface.

polish anew

Focuses on achieving a shiny and smooth surface again.

touch up

Suggests minor repairs or improvements.

FAQs

How is "refinish" used in a sentence?

You can use "refinish" to describe restoring a surface by sanding and applying a new finish, such as, "I plan to "refinish" the kitchen cabinets this weekend".

What are some synonyms for "refinish"?

Alternatives to "refinish" include "restore the finish", "apply a fresh coat", or "recoat", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "refinish" wood?

To "refinish" wood involves sanding down the existing finish to bare wood and then applying a new protective or decorative coating, such as varnish, paint, or stain.

What is the difference between recoating and "refinishing" a floor?

"Recoating" involves applying a new layer of finish to a floor that is already in relatively good condition, while "refinishing" requires sanding down the floor to bare wood before applying a new finish. This implies a more thorough restoration process.