Refinishing a piece of furniture, such as a desk or table, requires the appropriate supplies for the job. The provisions needed vary slightly based on the materials of the furniture, but in most refinishing projects wood supplies are required.
Fillers are a type of putty material used to fill in small cracks, holes or damage to the furniture. A small applicator spatula scoops out the filler and then spreads it in the damaged area to fill it in. Once the filler is dried, it is sanded smooth with fine grain sandpaper such as 400 grit sandpaper.
Adhesives are needed to glue pieces of the furniture back together. In most situations, wood glue is an appropriate adhesive for refinishing projects. 
Apply the adhesive to one side of the piece of furniture and then press it into the other side. Hold for about one to two minutes and then allow the glue to dry. Drying times will vary depending on the specific adhesive. Adhesives are not needed for every refinishing project.
Chemical strippers are needed to remove any paint on the furniture. The stripper eats away at the paint until it dissolved. Pour the chemical stripper onto the furniture and spread it by brushing the stripper once or twice with a paintbrush. Always use the stripper in an airy and well ventilated area and wear gloves to avoid skin sensitivities to the chemicals. Allow it to dissolve and then scrape the stripper off. The paint will come with it.
Stains are used in furniture refinishing projects to change the natural color of the wood. Stains vary in color, but are a range of natural wood shades. Always put the furniture in a well ventilated area before applying a wood stain. Dip a clean paintbrush into the stain and brush it onto the furniture in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the stain to dry and apply a second coat to the furniture.
Finishing products are used at the end of a refinishing project to condition the furniture and add a layer of protection to the wood. Some finishing products are also stains while others are designed to go on clear without changing the color. Finishing products condition, seal and protect the furniture for a polished look and to prevent damage to the wood from daily use. Methods of applying the finish will vary depending on the specific product. Some require the use of a paintbrush and are brushed on. Others are sprayed on directly from a can. The last finishing product is a wipe on that uses a cloth to rub it onto the furniture.
