[uechiguy]

strip the old finish off and then soak them for a hour or so in a mix of water and bleach. This will lighten and clean the wood. When dry then light sand to disired smoothness.

Here is a set I did compaerd to one as received.

+1 on the tru oil. Easy on and looks great.

 

[uechiguy]

I use a natural stripper called Citra strip IIRC. It's a paste that you let sit overnight and everything scrapes right off with a putty knife.