Paint stripper and a scraper were used to remove layers of old paint. Then a Scotch Brite pad dipped in paint stripper was used to remove the thin paint film remaining. After all of the paint had been removed, the old finish was sanded off with 80grit sandpaper. A mix of Saman water-based stains was brushed and rubbed onto the raw wood. The whole chair was then seal with two coats of satin Varathane, sanding lightly between coats.