How To Restore Your Old Wood Furniture

If you have old wood furniture that is looking dull and worn, there are a few things you can do to restore it.

Clean The Surface

When a wood surface isn’t regularly dusted, it accumulates a layer of airborne dust and grime that can be hard to remove. It’s also susceptible to stains from cooking oils and food vapors that can tarnish and discolor the wood. Fortunately, you can easily clean your old wood furniture using the right products and methods. First, wipe down the surfaces of your antiques with a soft cloth to loosen dust and other airborne debris. Next, mix a solution of water and dish detergent and apply it to the surface. Dip a clean, damp cloth in the solution and wipe gently on the entire surface of your furniture. When you’re done, wring out the cloth and rinse it thoroughly. Wipe the surface again with a dry cloth to dry it completely.

Stain

Staining is a great way to freshen up your old wood furniture and give it a new look. However, it is essential to do it right. There are some mistakes that people make when staining that can ruin the finished product. Before you start, it is a good idea to do a bit of research on the type of wood stain that will work best for your project. For example, there are gel stains and oil-based stains that offer different color options. Use a good quality brush or stain pad to apply your stain evenly and accurately. This will help you spread the stain and remove any excess. Occasionally, you can go back and wipe off the excess stain with a clean microfiber cloth to avoid blotchy areas. This helps to create a more even and consistent color on your wood furniture. You can also choose to add a coat of water- or oil-based polyurethane to protect your new stained finish. These can be brushed or wiped on to your furniture and provide extra protection from UV light and moisture.

Wax

If your old wood furniture is a bit dull, then a good quality wax can help bring it back to life. The right wax will protect your wood from dirt, moisture and abrasion while also giving it a great shine. The type of wax you need depends on the finish you have chosen for your furniture. For example, a table or cabinet top will benefit from a paste wax, while a piece of furniture with delicate scroll work is suited to liquid wax. Apply the wax in light coats, rubbing it into the surface with the grain. Do not apply too much at once as this can cause streaks and a cloudy appearance. Then buff the wax to a high sheen using a soft cotton cloth, free of any seams or stitching. Cut-up recycled T-shirts without seams, linens and diapers all make excellent application cloths.

Seal

Whether you have a wooden patio deck, outdoor furniture or some old wood furniture you just want to restore, it’s important to properly protect and stain your wood. There are a few different ways you can do this, including using sealants like varnish, lacquer or polyurethane. You can use a spray gun for this, or you can apply it with a brush. Be sure to read the directions for each top coat carefully. A few of these top coats require multiple layers and specific drying times in between. They also often require specific tools, such as a spray gun. If your piece is porous, you may need to sand it with 400-grit sandpaper first. This will remove any small dents or imperfections from the surface, and will prepare it for the sealant to bond well.