How to Restore Old Wooden Furniture

How to restore old wooden furniture (Some of them also called Chinese antique furniture, classical furniture and antique furniture, in this case, refinishing an antique can decrease its worth. A piece in good condition, with its original finish, is much more valuable than one that has been completely refinished.) and prepare it for staining or varnishing so as to restore it to its original condition.

The first step is knowing what kind of finish was used on the furniture piece, then deciding how to clean it.

Identifying an Old Finish

For restoration purposes, the only distinction that really matters is the difference among the three basic natural, or clear, finishes: shellac, lacquer, and varnish. The pigmented finishes, such as paint or enamel, are easy to identify. The only other finishes you may encounter are oil, wax, and penetrating sealers, identifiable by touch and the absence of a high gloss. These finishes can be restored only by reapplication.

First, test the finish with denatured alcohol; rub a little alcohol onto an inconspicuous finished area. If the finish dissolves, it's shellac. If it partially dissolves, it's probably a combination of shellac and lacquer. Test it again with a mixture of denatured alcohol and lacquer thinner; this should completely dissolve the finish.

If alcohol doesn't affect the finish, rub a little lacquer thinner on an inconspicuous finished spot. If the area turns rough and then smooth again, the finish is lacquer; if the finish crinkles and doesn't get smooth again, it's a type of varnish. If neither alcohol nor lacquer thinner affects it, the finish is varnish.

After identifying the finish, you're ready to restore it. Whether the problem is dirt, cracks, discoloration, or overall wear, it can often be solved by the following restoration techniques.

Cleaning Techniques

Over a period of years, even furniture that is well cared for can acquire a dull, sticky coating of wax and dust. In many cases, this coating can be removed with an oil-based commercial wood cleaner/conditioner. These cleaners will cut through layers of dirt and wax. They are available at furniture stores, supermarkets, and paint stores.

Following the manufacturer's instructions, apply the cleaner generously with a soft cloth and let it stand for an hour or two. Then wipe off the cleaner with another cloth. Repeat the process, using plenty of cleaner, until the wood is clean and lustrous - this may take up to four or five applications. Buff the clean wood lightly to remove excess oil.

Stripping Finish

Before you strip the old finish off any piece of furniture that is on the piece of furniture. Paint strippers can be used, but they can be harsh on the wood. The best way is to do it all old-fashioned way with a bit of elbow grease! If the piece of furniture has many layers of paint, you may have to use paint stripper just to save time, but be sure to not leave it on for too long and rinse the wood carefully with warm water and a damp cloth when you are done. Sand back the surface until all traces of paint or varnish is removed. At this point you should do any repairs that need to be done, such as fixing legs or leveling etc.

Once repairs have been done use a fine grade sandpaper to smooth the surface of the piece of furniture and remove little inconsistencies in the wood surface. Fine sandpaper should also be used to sand around delicate areas such as moldings or lattice and in corners. Once smooth and sanded you are ready to finish your piece.

To finish your piece of with that old time natural look, get a light wood stain and gently rub it into the wood as per the directions on the tin, then once dry apply a furniture wax to protect it. Varnishing the piece will create a shinier and richer looking effect. Once again apply as per the directions on the tin, and the follow up with a furniture wax for protection. For an alternative to wood stain, shoe polish works well when rubbed into the wood surface, or dyes can be used too.

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Teach you how to restore old wooden furniture.

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Wooden Furniture

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