How To Restore Old Wood Bench
How To Restore Old Wood Bench
Introduction
Restoring an old wooden bench can be a great way to spruce up your garden or yard. Not only will it add a decorative touch, but it can also be a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With a few simple tools and supplies, you can easily restore an old wooden bench to its former glory. In this tutorial, we will look at the steps you need to take to properly restore an old wood bench.
Strip the Old Finish
Before you can start restoring your old wooden bench, you need to remove any existing finish. This can be done with a chemical stripper or a heat gun. With a chemical stripper, simply apply the solution to the wood and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. Then, use a scraper or a putty knife to remove the old finish. With a heat gun, you can use a stirring stick to scrape off the old finish. Once you have removed the old finish, make sure to clean off any remaining residue with a clean cloth.
Sand the Wood
Once the old finish has been removed, you need to sand the wood. This will help to remove any remaining residue and smooth out the surface. Start by using a medium-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining old finish. Then, switch to a finer sandpaper and gently sand the wood until it is smooth. Make sure to wipe down the wood with a clean cloth after sanding to remove any dust.
Fill in the Gaps
If there are any cracks or gaps in the wood, you will need to fill them in before you start painting or staining the bench. You can use wood filler for this step. Simply apply the wood filler to the cracks and use a putty knife to spread it around. Allow the wood filler to dry completely before sanding it down to a smooth finish.
Stain or Paint the Wood
Now it’s time to give the bench a new look. You can either stain or paint the wood, depending on your preference. If you choose to stain the wood, make sure to use a good quality stain and apply it in even strokes. If you choose to paint the wood, make sure to use a good quality paint and apply multiple coats. Allow the wood to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Finish the Bench with Polyurethane
Once the stain or paint has dried, you can finish the bench with a coat of polyurethane. This will help to protect the wood from dirt, water, and other elements. Allow the first coat of polyurethane to dry before applying a second coat. Once the second coat has dried, the bench is ready to be enjoyed.
