Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Pointers For Refinishing Wood Furniture Dallas Residents Will Find To Be Useful

By Rosella Campbell


Wood furniture possesses a timeless elegance and can last for years, but eventually it may not look as nice as its surface becomes scratched or otherwise damaged. It is not difficult to restore these cherished pieces to their former glory however, in most cases refinishing will be all that's needed. Professionals offer these services, or some may wish to take it upon themselves, either way this guide outlines the basic process for refinishing wood furniture Dallas residents should understand.

The first step will be to completely remove the existing finish from the piece using a good quality furniture stripper. These products come in liquid, paste, semi-paste, and gel forms, for vertical surfaces, a thicker type is best as it will not run as much. Wearing rubber gloves, and a protective goggles and mask, this substance is rubbed over the entire surface, left on as long as indicated, then scraped off with a putty knife and rinsed away with water. Pieces are then left to dry fully.

Next, one must inspect the furniture for any surface damage such as deeper scratches or gouges. Using a craft knife and a wood filler, which is a putty-like substance, these divots will then be filled in and allowed to dry before sanding the piece.

Sanding should be done with 120 grit sandpaper in the same direction of the wood's grain, doing otherwise can result in scratches. Flat surfaces may be sanded using a sanding block, but a folded piece of sandpaper will be needed to get into all the nooks and crannies. After sanding, a cloth will be used to wipe the object down, and repeat the sanding using finer grit sandpaper, with 220 grit being the last one used. Once it is smooth, all debris must be wiped away.

Next, the surface of the furniture must be primed, this will help the stain go on more evenly. One may use either primer or sand sealer for this step, painting it all over the piece and leaving it to dry fully before adding the finish.

The best color of stain for a particular piece depends mostly on the type of wood it is made from and also the personal preference of its owner. A wide variety of shades are available to choose from. Finishes may be applied either with a soft cloth or brush, but in both cases care must be taken to gently blot up excess stain. All sections of the piece should receive the same amount of finish.

Finally, a varnish will be applied to give the furniture shine and protection. Varnishes come in many types, polyurethane adds shine and durability, as does wax only special care must be taken to avoid moisture. Brush-on varieties include lacquer and shellac, these are oil-based and need to be applied carefully so there are no visible drip marks.

Not everyone wants to attempt to refinish their own furnishings, which is why it's good that there are professionals who offer this service. These refinishing pros know how to make a worn, old piece look radiant once again, can recommend the best stain and varnish, and have it ready in just a few days time.




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