Antique Spindles Add Detail and Character
Antique spindles add beautiful detail and character to furniture and homes. Worn spindles can detract from that beauty. Stripping, repairing and adding a new coat of stain or paint to antique spindles is a process that most homeowners can undertake successfully with a little planning. The needed materials and supplies can be purchased in most hardware and home stores.
Stripping Spindles
Spindle stripping is much easier if your spindles can be removed from the railing or furniture. Examine your piece to see if they can be removed without damage. If so, soak them in a liquid wood stripper in a glass or metal tray. If not, brush on a coat of gel type stain. Allow your spindles to soak in the stripper for the time recommended on the label before you attack the old finish.
Scrape the old finish or paint off using nylon bristle brushes and abrasive scrubbing pads. Thin paint scrapers or putty knives can also be used. Be careful not to gouge the wood in the process.
Once you have removed as much of the finish as possible, rinse the spindles in clear water, or wipe them down with a wet rag. If the paint or finish is particularly stubborn repeat the stripping process before proceeding to the next phase.
Sand your spindles with ultra fine sand paper or sanding sponges. Sanding by hand gets the details and prevents accidental damage from power sanders.
Repairing Chips and Cracks
Fill any cracks or chips in the spindles with a professional grade solvent-based wood filler. These products dry harder and take stain better than the water-based varieties.
Sand your spindles again. This time give special attention to areas that were repaired, sanding the filler as smooth as possible.
Staining Your Spindles
Allow the spindles to dry thoroughly before you brush on a coat of stain in your choice of colors. Use a soft bristle brush and try to get the stain as even as possible. Follow the label directions for the drying time and the procedure for wiping off excess stain.
Allow the stain to dry before sanding one last time to smooth any grain that may have raised in the staining process. Brush the dust away with a dry brush.
Apply at least two coats of clear polyurethane or other clear finish with a clean soft bristle brush. Avoid buildup to prevent runs and drips. If your spindles will be outside, check the label for a product that is recommended for outdoor use.
Painting Your Spindles
If you prefer paint, latex semigloss is a good way to go. Give the spindles a coat of aerosol spray primer to prep the surface. It goes on thinner than brush on primers to preserve the detail and avoid runs.
Apply at least two coats of paint. Some colors may require more for an even look. Be sure to allow the proper drying time between coats and use a good quality brush for best results.
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