Professional iron refinishing begins by stripping the old chrome, buffing the head to remove nicks and applying the finish with a two-part nickel/chrome plating process. Professional wood refinishing includes sandblasting the head and applying a primer/sealer coat that's topped with acrylic polymer. Polishing irons or metal drivers with steel wool and a metal polish will brighten them noticeably, and you can refinish the woods in a home workshop with a minimum of tools and supplies.
Getting Started
Masking tape can be used to protect the hard plastic trim or thread windings on the club shaft, where it meets the shank of the wood head. Blue masking tape is best since it doesn't harden and is easier to remove than tan tape.
You can remove the sole plate on the underside of the club with a screwdriver, and polish the plate with steel wool followed by a cream or liquid metal polish. A clean, soft cloth works best with metal polish. If the club face is attached with screws it can be removed and cleaned with a small screwdriver or a utility knife. The face can be polished in the same way as the sole plate or cleaned with soap and water.
Sanding
An orbital electric finish sander with 120-grit sandpaper will remove the lacquer finish without gouging the wood. Fine sanding is best since it exposes the raw wood and produces a uniform surface. Hard sanding is not necessary and it could gouge the club head. Be sure to wear a dust mask when using an electric sander.
The area close to the thread or plastic trim at the shaft can be sanded by hand. In addition, some styles of wood clubs have a recessed number that can be sanded by folding a piece of sandpaper and working one corner into the recess. More attention to detail during the sanding will translate into a professional looking finish.
Sealer Coat
A coat of water based hardwood sealer should be applied with a brush and allowed to dry overnight. A second coat is recommended to completely seal the wood grain and improve the bonding properties of the acrylic polymer finish coat. Taking the time to apply the sealer coats correctly will result in a lasting and durable finish. Inspect the wood closely and touch up any sanding before going forward with the finish coat. Apply a final coat of sealer after the sanding is complete.
Finish Coat
Liquid acrylic polymer can be sprayed on or applied to the wood with a natural bristle brush. Spraying will require several light coats at first to avoid runs in the finish. Brushing is somewhat easier since you have more control of the application. With either method, it's necessary to allow the first coat to dry overnight. Use fine steel wool between coats to remove imperfections in the finish, and wipe the residue away with a soft cloth. You can spray or brush additional coats and allow each to dry until you have the desired sheen. Complete the refinishing by removing the masking tape and replacing the sole plate.
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