We scour the flea markets, estates sales, thrift sores, garage sales, even our own attics and basements for those hidden treasures. We take it home or dig it out with a grand plan to up cycle, also known as restoring, reclaiming and refinishing. Here are some tips to help you restore your wooden furniture back to its former glory.
1. Time and Cost. A small project can turn into a massive project. Be realistic about the time you have to devote to your projects and also factor in your skill level. Your lack of skill or knowledge may result in more research and more trips to the home improvement store. You can build your experience by buying pieces that require quick and easy fixes before taking on the big projects. How much money are you willing to invest to finish the restoration process? Will the supplies cost more than the piece itself? Does your desire to complete the project outweigh the cost?
2. Prep and Repair. After years of neglect you will need to clean the build up, dirt and dust. Most times removing old paint, patina and dirt will reveal a nice finish, a good cleaning and buffing is all that is needed. Be sure to use a sponge with warm water and mild soap. You can use a toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies. When repairing or replacing parts keep in mind you might not find an exact match and may need to be custom ordered. Again, depending on your skill level and knowledge overall you might have to consult a profession for more involved repairs like leg replacements or structural integrity. Also, review and study the step by step directions to familiarize yourself with the project. This will also provide a checklist for the tools you will need.
3. Painted Pieces. Paint can hide stains, chips, burns and a whole host of other problems including several layers of paint. Compared to stripping a dirty varnished piece it will require a significant amount of time, labour and supplies.
4. Refinishing. Make sure you are up for the challenge. Be realistic about the time and expertise required to start and finish the project. When hunting for treasures keep a mental checklist and decide if it’s worth hauling home. Things to consider: Detailed and deep carvings can take hours to strip and refinish, different parts of furniture need different processes; such as delicate spindles or ornaments and older pieces made from multiple materials. A few examples, Cherry can be stained a variety of colours but if it’s 100 years old it’s going to be dark after stripping, Walnut gets lighter with age, Mahogany is going to be reddish and limits your options, Pine is almost always painted and old Pine is darker than new Pine. When refinishing wood you have to account for the age, colour and condition.
5. Tools and safety. Don’t take shortcuts and risk injury. Make sure you have the proper safety equipment needed and the right tool for the task at hand. Wear long sleeved shirts to protect your skin from chemicals like varnish, use safety glasses, wear a face mask, make sure the room is well ventilated and wear non-skid shoes. Don’t use tools you don’t have any experience with such as power saws. Before starting your project be sure to educate yourself regarding proper use and safety. Prepare a basic tool kit which may include: A Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, small hammer, rubber mallet, sandpaper in various grades, wood putty, putty knives, steel wool, stripping gel, wood glue, oil soap, measuring tape, plastic gloves, toothbrush, angled paint brush, face mask and safety glasses.
1. Time and Cost. A small project can turn into a massive project. Be realistic about the time you have to devote to your projects and also factor in your skill level. Your lack of skill or knowledge may result in more research and more trips to the home improvement store. You can build your experience by buying pieces that require quick and easy fixes before taking on the big projects. How much money are you willing to invest to finish the restoration process? Will the supplies cost more than the piece itself? Does your desire to complete the project outweigh the cost?
2. Prep and Repair. After years of neglect you will need to clean the build up, dirt and dust. Most times removing old paint, patina and dirt will reveal a nice finish, a good cleaning and buffing is all that is needed. Be sure to use a sponge with warm water and mild soap. You can use a toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies. When repairing or replacing parts keep in mind you might not find an exact match and may need to be custom ordered. Again, depending on your skill level and knowledge overall you might have to consult a profession for more involved repairs like leg replacements or structural integrity. Also, review and study the step by step directions to familiarize yourself with the project. This will also provide a checklist for the tools you will need.
3. Painted Pieces. Paint can hide stains, chips, burns and a whole host of other problems including several layers of paint. Compared to stripping a dirty varnished piece it will require a significant amount of time, labour and supplies.
4. Refinishing. Make sure you are up for the challenge. Be realistic about the time and expertise required to start and finish the project. When hunting for treasures keep a mental checklist and decide if it’s worth hauling home. Things to consider: Detailed and deep carvings can take hours to strip and refinish, different parts of furniture need different processes; such as delicate spindles or ornaments and older pieces made from multiple materials. A few examples, Cherry can be stained a variety of colours but if it’s 100 years old it’s going to be dark after stripping, Walnut gets lighter with age, Mahogany is going to be reddish and limits your options, Pine is almost always painted and old Pine is darker than new Pine. When refinishing wood you have to account for the age, colour and condition.
5. Tools and safety. Don’t take shortcuts and risk injury. Make sure you have the proper safety equipment needed and the right tool for the task at hand. Wear long sleeved shirts to protect your skin from chemicals like varnish, use safety glasses, wear a face mask, make sure the room is well ventilated and wear non-skid shoes. Don’t use tools you don’t have any experience with such as power saws. Before starting your project be sure to educate yourself regarding proper use and safety. Prepare a basic tool kit which may include: A Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, small hammer, rubber mallet, sandpaper in various grades, wood putty, putty knives, steel wool, stripping gel, wood glue, oil soap, measuring tape, plastic gloves, toothbrush, angled paint brush, face mask and safety glasses.