The first step in any wood-furniture rehab project, says Wertheimer, is to inspect the piece for structural and visual flaws. Tighten loose legs, grease sticky drawers, buy new knobs, etc. Use wood putty to fill in any cracks or holes. Then, lightly sand the piece and go over it with a tack cloth to remove the dust. Finally, prime it, paint it and, if necessary, give it a protective layer of polyurethane.

A piece that sits around and looks pretty but isn't actually used? That doesn't need the protective top coat. But a piece such as the DIY project below, which could find itself home to keys and loose coins, needs at least one coat of polyurethane.

What about furniture other than wood? Gidding advises against painting plastic furniture because it'll likely chip. Metal furniture can be tricky to paint, too, so use a primer and paint especially made for metals. (Instead of sanding, scour off any rust using steel wool.) Wicker spray paints easily.

Thankfully, most furniture is forgiving. Lay on a bad paint job? Sand it, prime it and paint it again.

"Sometimes you just have to have a laid-back attitude about it and know that you'll have to throw on another coat next summer," Gidding says.

You can do that with fun accent pieces and the outdoor furniture. Save the elbow grease for those dining tables and chairs.

A Handsome, High-Gloss Table (adapted from "Fresh Home" magazine)

Supplies:

A wood table (new or old)

Wood putty

180-grit sandpaper

Tack cloth

Oil-based, black satin paint

Mineral spirits

High-gloss, oil-based polyurethane

Paint brushes

Directions:

1. Prepare the surface: Fill cracks and holes with wood putty, let harden, then lightly sand all surfaces. Use a tack cloth to remove dust.

2. Apply the primer: Brush primer onto entire surface, let dry. (Oil paint will adhere to latex primer, but an oil-based primer works better.)

3. Apply the paint: Thin the black paint about 10 percent with the mineral spirits, then apply a smooth coat, brushing in one direction.

4. Apply the top coat: Let the paint dry, then lightly sand and remove dust with a tack cloth. Apply a coat of polyurethane. Lightly sand and repeat with another coat, if desired.

Tips: Remove any drawers and paint them separately. Flip the table upside down and paint the legs and underside before flipping the table upright to finish.

On the Web: freshhomemag.com; bhg.com; hgtv.com