Furniture restoration
If you are thinking of redecorating or moving but don’t want to get rid of your beloved furniture, there are many ways of giving your living room or other space a facelift without having to spend thousands on brand new furniture.
Many of us get very attached to our furniture. Let’s face it; you spent way too long looking for something that fits your style just to throw it out a year later when you redecorate your home.
Furniture restoration is heard in a variety of settings. If you like watching do-it-yourself shows, you may someday find yourself looking around your home and thinking you’ve got some furniture restoration projects you wouldn’t mind taking on yourself. You can get help by taking an online furniture restoration course...◄◄ CLICK HERE.
Furniture refinishing
One of the most common means of furniture restoration is furniture refinishing. Refinishing furniture can breathe new life into pianos, tables, chairs, cabinets, bookcases, jewelry boxes, and other items that have started to look a little bit worn.
With any furniture restoration project – and furniture refinishing is no exception – there are a few things to consider. First, you want to think about whether or not you can do it yourself. You may be thinking, “Why couldn’t I tackle furniture refinishing myself? All it takes is a few hours, some sandpaper and new stain.” While in many cases this is true, some furniture restoration should be left to the profs.
For example, piano refinishing isn’t the same as refinishing a jewelry box. Many large pieces – pianos, armoires – are far easier for professionals to restore and refinish. Another furniture restoration project that may be better suited for a professional is the restoration of antiques.
If you are only looking at refinishing furniture that is newer or that has sentimental value, you may choose not to consult with a professional. In that case, it’s often best to get right into the project on your own.
Furniture refinishing steps:
To start your furniture-refinishing project, it’s often best to find a spot that won’t be noticed as a test site. In this spot – low on the back of the piece or on the bottom – you’ll want to start the furniture refinishing by removing a small portion of the current finish. Doing so will let you see what you’re up against and how hard will it be to remove the current finish from the furniture.
Simple surfaces like a table will be easier to refinish than a cabinet with intricate corner work. Using a furniture stripper and a scraper will make it easier to remove a painted or varnished finish than merely using sandpaper. Once you’ve determined how to best remove the old finish from the furniture, the next step is to work outdoors (when possible) to remove the old varnish and paint.
Furniture refinishing, however, is not just about removing the old finish. Refinishing furniture requires stripping the old finish and then preparing the surface for a new finish by sanding the surface and wiping down the sawdust that sanding stirred up. Only after the surface has been prepared can you start the final step in this furniture restoration project: applying the new finish.
Refinishing the furniture, therefore, means knowing what the new finish will be. For some, the goal of refinishing furniture is to strip off-color, get back to the natural wood and apply a clear finish that shows off the item’s natural beauty. For others, furniture refinishing is a matter of taking the wood to a darker shade – staining pine so that it takes on the color of cherry or mahogany wood.
Still, others look at furniture refinishing as a chance to bring color to their table, desk, bookshelf, or bureau. When refinishing furniture, many are likely to choose a colored stain followed by a top coat of varnish for sheen. Another common choice people, who are looking for color, make is to select paint that matches the room or provides the contrast they are looking to achieve in their room.
Furniture restoration, after all, is a personal choice. Refinishing furniture gives you a chance to create a new look without going out and buying something new. For those inclined to take on little projects on their own, refinishing furniture can be a great way to spend a weekend – and have something to show for their time, for years to come. However, if you stuck and don’t know how to continue, and what is the best material or method to use, you can always check this link which will guide you throughout the whole furniture restoration project.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
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