You can restore old furniture by stripping it and applying a new finish.
Old and antique furniture that has been neglected for years is often hidden away in garages, basements and attics. For most people, the prospect of restoring and reviving furniture is daunting. Old wood furniture may have stains, wax, discolorations and watermarks on it that seem difficult to fix. But with a few short restoration techniques, you can restore your old furniture to its former beauty. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Work outside or in a room that is well ventilated. Use a fan to increase air circulation.
2. Remove all hardware from the furniture. Put on protective gloves and eyewear.
3. Apply a semi-paste chemical stripper to a large paintbrush and paint the furniture with the stripper. Paint only the parts of the furniture that are wood. You don’t want to apply a chemical stripper to leather, metal or fabric. Also, don't brush too firmly, as you want to lay a thick layer of stripper on the wood.
4. Allow the stripper to remain on the wood for up to 20 minutes. When you start to see the finish or paint begin to bubble, begin scraping the wood with a putty knife to remove the old paint or stain.
5. Apply a lacquer thinner to a soft cloth, and wipe the cloth over the entire piece of furniture. This will not only remove any remaining stripper, it will also remove any wax buildup from the furniture.
6. Paint a small amount of oxalic acid (wood bleach) onto any parts of the furniture that still have stains or watermarks. When the oxalic acid dries, rinse the powder away with a sponge and warm water.
7. Sand away any remaining marks with 100- to 150-grit sandpaper. Wipe away any grit or sand with a soft cloth and warm water.
8. Apply a stain to the furniture with a paintbrush or cloth. Allow at least 24 hours for the stain to dry. Then apply a finish to protect the wood.
9. Revive non-wood components of the furniture. For example, if you have leather furniture, apply a small amount of microcrystalline wax to the leather surface. A wax will buff away stains and fill scratches. When buffed with a soft cloth, the leather surface will have regained its former color and shine.
10. Clean all furniture hardware so it matches the look of the restored piece. For example, clean porcelain handles or knobs by wiping them with a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. Use a silver or metal cleaner to clean metal hardware. Replace the hardware.
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