How to Restore Old Wood Furniture

Restoring old wood consists of a few, simple steps. Owning antique furniture is a modern trend that is simple and affordable to follow. Maintaining old furniture is easy if it is restored properly in the beginning. The following are DIY tips for antiques lovers to get started in the restoration process.

Gather the Right Tools

The first step is to collect the proper cleaning tools, such as gloves, cleaning cloths, paintbrushes, polishes, polish removers and cleaning chemicals. Covering the floors is necessary when using numerous chemicals. Another tip is to work outdoors or provide enough ventilation if staying indoors.

Prepare for Stripping

Stripping furniture is a preliminary step that removes the wood finish. This is necessary to provide a clean surface for applying new finish. The stripping chemical must be applied evenly with a brush and left alone until the finish is dissolved. The depth of the coatings determines the amount of time the stripper takes to remove the old layers. The next step is to neutralize the stripper with a polish remover. It’s necessary to select the right neutralizer for the stripper, which starts by reading the label.

Clean Off the Layers

Thoroughly remove the layers of dirt and debris that have accumulated for years. Use a cleaning cloth and wax remover. When applying any chemical, leave it on the surface for a few minutes so that it soaks into the wooden pores.

Sand the Surface

Wait a day after stripping and cleaning the surface to begin sanding. Apply sandpaper or a sanding block to remove scratches, cracks and uneven fibers while going along the grain. Wipe off the debris with a cloth.

Remove Bleached Wood

Most old furniture has discolored spots and marks that are easy to see but difficult to remove. The solution is to apply a wood dye in the correct matching color. The color must stain the fibers and dry completely before moving on to the next step.

There is a long list of steps to make when restoring old wood furniture. People in a rush tend to skip certain steps, but each one must be followed in order. Old wood should never be thrown away, and if the work is done correctly, a restored surface lasts for years with minimal maintenance.