Furniture can play an important role in your home décor. However, replacing old furniture can be a costly and time-consuming process. That’s why many people choose to revive and refinish old furniture for a new look. With some basic tools and techniques, you can give old furniture a fresh new look and save some money in the process. Here’s how to get started.
Assess the Furniture
Before you begin the process of reviving and refinishing your old furniture, you need to first assess the piece to understand the level of damage and the extent of work required. Look for cracks, chips, water damage, loose joints, or other damage that needs to be fixed. This will help you determine the type of refinishing that needs to be done.
Clean the Surface
Cleaning the surface of the furniture is an important step in the reviving and refinishing process. The surface should be completely free of dirt, grime, and other debris. Use a mild cleaning solution to clean the surface of the furniture, and rinse it with clean water after. Dry the surface completely before you start the refinishing process.
Strip the Furniture
To refinish old furniture, you must first remove the existing finish. You can do this by sanding it or using a chemical stripping solution. Sanding is best suited for small pieces of furniture or for furniture with thin finishes. For larger pieces of furniture or for furniture with thick finishes, chemical stripping is an effective method. Chemical stripping solutions are available at home improvement stores and are applied with a paintbrush.
Repair the Furniture
Once the old finish has been removed, it’s time to repair the furniture. Repair any cracks, chips, or other damage by filling them with wood filler. Sand the surface once the filler is dry to create an even surface. For loose joints, apply wood glue to strengthen them. Clamp the joints and allow the glue to dry completely.
Refinish the Furniture
Now that the furniture surface is clean, stripped, and repaired, it’s time to refinish it. You can choose from various finishes such as paint, stain, or varnish. The choice of finish will depend on the type of wood and the intended use of the furniture. Apply the finish evenly using a brush or a sponge. Allow the first coat to dry before applying any subsequent coats.
Seal the Furniture
Once the final coat of finish is dry, it’s time to seal the furniture. Apply a coat of wax or polyurethane to seal the surface. Wax provides a soft, subtle finish and is well-suited for furniture that won’t receive heavy use. Polyurethane provides a durable, hard finish and is ideal for furniture that will receive heavy use.
Reviving and refinishing old furniture can be a satisfying process that breathes new life into old furniture. By following these steps, you can give your old furniture a fresh new look that will last for years to come. So why not give it a try and see what new look you can create?
