Restoring Antique Furniture - Get your Old Furniture Back in Vogue

1. Restoring Antique Furniture - Get your Old Furniture Back in Vogue People often think thatrestoringold furniture is a time-consuming task and replacing seems like a better and hassle-free option. But the right tools and products will make your task easier and you can save money on buying new furniture. Giving new life to an old piece of furniture is not a quick process, but the end result will be certainly worth the efforts. Below are some effective steps that will help you get your antique furniture back in vogue: - 1.Safety Comes First If you are not careful, the process of restoring old furniture can be hazardous for your health. So, acquiring the right tools not only make the task easier but also ensure the safety of your family. Moreover, always wear protective gear including rubber gloves, long sleeves clothes, and eyewear to guard yourself against chemical burning from splattering. When working on your furniture, make sure you work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling noxious exhalations. 2. Know the Old Finish Prior to restoring old furniture, identify the existing finish on the piece. Finishing’s like varnish, lacquer, shellac, etc. are difficult to identify and may need some experimentation. First test the surface by applying denatured alcohol, if the finish comes off; it has a shellac coating. To peel off lacquer coating, you would need lacquer thinner. On the other hand, pigmented coating (paint or enamel) are easier to identify as they are less lustrous.

2. 3. Cleaning At times, all your old furniture need is a good cleaning. Use an oil-based commercial wood cleaner to clean through the layers of wax and dust on the surface. If that doesn't bring the original shine, you can use liquid detergent and warm water. Use a cloth to clean the surface to ensure the wood doesn't get too wet. 4. Stripping The first step of furniture restoration involves stripping the old finish to pave way for the new one. It is a messy task, so it’s better to work outdoors. Ensure to apply the stripper from top to bottom in a single direction, applying more on the carved areas. Depending on the thickness of the finish, wait for 5 to 20 minutes, and then scrape the surface with a stripping tool or putty knife. It can take multiple applications before the old finish is completely removed; so be patient. 5. Refurnishing It is the final step ofrestoring old furniture. Apply a new coat of stain to give your old furniture a brand new look. However, before you even begin, ensure that all necessary repairs like filling the cracks, fixing the legs, setting the broken chair seats, etc. are done. Moreover, use 100-120 grit sandpaper to sand the furniture and then clean the entire surface with tack cloth or vacuum. It is recommended to use a natural bristle brush to apply the new stain and let it rest for a minimum of five minutes before wiping off the excess with a clean cloth. Restoring Old Furniture Back in Style Restoring antique furniture if done right is a worthwhile process. Whether you own a worn out dresser or table with multiple uneven coats of paint, following the above-mentioned steps can give a whole new life to your furniture and living space. Now you don’t have to throw away your heirloom, just a little effort and you can easily turn it into a brand new piece that accentuates the beauty of your interior.