How can I refinish a cherry wood table, chairs and a hutch?

I would consider using chalk paint for a modern update. You can achieve many different looks and because it's water-based, it's easy to use with minimal or no prep, dries fast, you can layer or mix colors, and it's easy to strip if you want to refinish with stain. You can see many styles of finishes of chalk painted furniture on many DIY websites, most especially on Hometalk! Best of luck in your decision.

KP

I would hesitate to paint real cherry wood, although wood is not damaged by paint, it would be a considerable job to remove it. If you want to update the furniture what about putting fabric or wall paper in the back of the hutch, making slip covers for the seats of the chairs or even the backs of the chairs.

Paint will give it a more casual look. Be sure to clean it well before painting. You want to remove any old furniture polish that will prevent paint from sticking.

To be quite honest, If the suite is in good order - Sell it and buy seconhand suite that you would prefer from the proceeds. To up date your suite would be a whole lot of work and may not turn out as you had invisaged. It would be a shame - someone out there is looking for your suite just as it is! Look on ebay and other sites.....

Painting will give you a more comfy or casual look. But I think white washing would be even better because the wood grain would still show thru.

There are so many really great stains today, water based and available in tons of colors. I love Dixie Belles VooDoo stains. They would give your pieces a more modern look with very little prep and work.

What would work best in your house? Go with that. Depends on what you want.

I love Cherry wood. If you can I would use Formbys restorer on the wood and put a fun wallpaper in the back of the hutch. For the chairs go to JoAnns or a fabric store. We have a discount drapery warehouse that sells beautiful fabrics for cost. I would update the seats.