Restore Old Furniture Finish

Planning Your Project

Before you get started on restoring old furniture, there are a few things you should consider. First, take into account the age and condition of the furniture piece. If it’s a very old piece, it may be better to leave it as is, and just give it a good cleaning. If the finish is in good condition, but there are scratches and other blemishes, that’s also a good sign that you should just clean and wax it. However, if the furniture is in bad condition, or if you really want to restore it, you can go ahead and refinish it.

It’s also important to consider the type of wood. Different wood species require different types of finish. For example, some woods may require a sealer, while others may need a wax or oil. Do some research online to find out the best finish for your piece. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to start your project.

Gathering Your Supplies

Now that you’ve decided to go ahead with the project, you’ll need to gather your supplies. Most of the supplies needed can be found at your local hardware store. You’ll need a stripping agent, such as paint stripper, to remove the old finish. You’ll also need sandpaper and steel wool, to prepare the wood for the new finish. You’ll need a finishing agent, such as polyurethane, and you’ll need a wax or oil to condition the wood.

You’ll also need a few other supplies, such as rags, brushes, and gloves. Make sure to wear protective clothing and safety glasses when working with strippers and finishing agents. If you are new to furniture restoration, it may be a good idea to purchase an instructional book or watch a few videos online to get a better understanding of the process.

Stripping the Finish

Once you have all your supplies, you’re ready to start stripping the old finish. Start by applying the stripper to the furniture with a brush. Make sure to cover all the surfaces, including the sides and the underside. Then, let the stripper sit for a few minutes, according to the instructions on the container. After the time has elapsed, you can start to remove the finish with steel wool or a scraper.

It’s important to be careful when removing the finish – you don’t want to damage the wood. If you’re not sure about how to do it, consult your instructional book or watch an online video. Once you’ve removed all the old finish, you can start to sand the wood.

Sanding the Furniture

Sanding the furniture is an important step in restoring old furniture. Start by using a medium-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining finish, and to even out the surface. Then, switch to a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the wood. Finally, use a very fine sandpaper to buff out any scratches or blemishes. Make sure to sand with the grain of the wood, and not against it – this will help to keep the wood smooth and even.

Once you’ve finished sanding, use a vacuum or a tack cloth to remove any dust. Then, you’re ready to apply the new finish.

Applying the Finish

Now that you’ve prepared the wood, it’s time to apply the new finish. Start by applying a sealer, if necessary. Then, apply the finishing agent, such as a polyurethane. Again, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to apply several coats of finish, and you’ll need to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one.

Finally, apply a coat of wax or oil to condition the wood. This will help to protect the wood, and keep it looking good for years to come. Once you’ve finished, you can admire your work – you’ve just restored an old piece of furniture!