There are valuable tips on refinishing furniture.Refinish like a pro without damaging the integrity or value of the piece.You should maintain your investment.
Step 1: You should confirm that you are not removing the patina from the antique.
Taking a $1,000 table and refinishing it into a $100 table is not something you want to do.
Step 2: Start by reading the instructions.
Understand the instructions on the chemicals you are using and read the labels before you begin.You should work in aventilated area.If the fumes are not used in a properly ventilated space, they can cause dizziness or death.Your local hardware specialist can serve as a great source of information for this project.
Step 3: Do you think washing or stripping the finish is the best thing to do?
Decide if a thorough cleaning will remove the old finish.A coat of varnish may bring it back to its former glory.If you want to get into crevices, you should use a hand cleaner with a toothbrush.You will know more about what you are working with after cleaning.You can save a lot of work by refinishing parts of the piece.The drawer front, the top of the table or bureau, or the arms and seat of a chair may need some work.The rest of the piece will be rejuvenated after those repairs are made.
Step 4: You can use stripper or paint removal.
When using stripper, use rubber gloves and a mask.Do not brush back and forth.Put on a thick layer of stripper with one stroke.The stripper's skin will be like pudding.Place plastic trash bags or newspaper on top of the stripper to keep her dry.You can't do too much at one time if you position the piece so you are working on a horizontal surface.If you want to prevent the stripper from spattering the back of the drawer, place a piece of masking tape over the backside.
Step 5: Allow the stripper to do her job.
Wait until you can rub the wood with one hand.You can start to remove the stripper at that time.Leave the stripper on those areas longer if the piece has a carving.
Step 6: The stripper should be removed.
To find out how quickly the stripper is working, look under the plastic.If the finish is thick, you may need to apply more stripper.Remove the finish with an expired credit card or a putty knife.A plastic tool with a similar edge is less likely to damage the wood.
Step 7: Remove the stripping solution.
When the stripper has softened the finish, you can wash it down with water or solvent.It's important to read the container to find the right washing liquid.The bedding from the pet store will work fine if you scrub with a stiff brush.The piece will be cleaned and dried.Water shouldn't be used to lift the veneer if the piece is veneered.It is better to bring forth the original surface and not create a new one when refinishing.
Step 8: Sanding
It's all you should do to remove light scratches.The longer it will take to make a mistake, the better the sandpaper you use.It will do nicely if you coat it with 120 C open coat aluminum oxide.220 open coat aluminum oxide is good for removing strippers and setting the wood up to accept a finish.You can use old felt to sand your piece.The 120 is the size of the sandpaper.The coarser the paper is, the lower the number.
Step 9: The piece should be stained.
It is a good idea to buy a leading brand of wiping stains, which are formulated to highlight the grain of all wood species.Leave the stain for a moment and then wipe it dry with a dry rag.Use rubber gloves and a mask during the staining process.Different tones can be achieved with cross-mixed stains.Adding wood to another wood will give it a reddish brown color or a deep dark brown.
Step 10: All used rags should be put in an approved container.
If they burst into flames, leave them on the bench all bunched up.If you don't have a container, lay the rags out on the ground.It is extremely dangerous to have any rags with solvent in them.
Step 11: It's time to finish your project.
It is possible to wipe on the finish.There are wipe on finishes for better protection.Keep the finish wet until it doesn't seem to want to absorb any more finish, then put it on with a soft cloth.Next, wipe it clean.Give the piece a light sanding and then apply the finish again after 24 hours.You can do it as many times as you please, but three or four coats is enough.The last coat should be a semigloss.It's time for that special spot in your home.