Refinishing furniture is also known as DIY project that can be the ideal choice for breathing life into old furniture and pieces that have been used before. Whether you are a home owner or own an office and want a look new, refinishing furniture can easily help you to do that.
Furniture refinishing is not only a rewarding job but it also saves you time, money, and energy without having to spend the whole amount on something new altogether. Moreover, through the ultimate guide to refinishing furniture, you will be able to go through the entire process of conducting the right furniture refreshing and what are the factors that you should be considering.
1. Choose the Right Piece of Wood
Before you start working on the refinishing process, it is important to make sure that you choose the right piece of wood or furniture to work on. When you choose the right piece your work will automatically become easier and you will not have to worry about other things or issues.
Moreover, when you are selecting the piece of furniture make sure to assess the sentimental value that it holds along with how old it is, and what condition it is in. There are times when the piece of furniture might be too old, which means that you won’t be properly be able to work on it.
When you are working on a piece of furniture, make sure you have an idea of the end result that you are looking for along with knowing whether the piece of furniture is vintage or antique, as it can be an excellent form of choice for refinishing furniture as well.
2. Gather Your Tools and Essentials
Once you have understood exactly what you want to do, make sure to gather your tools and any essentials that you have such as sandpaper, paint, brushes, and most importantly safety gear while you are working. Moreover, do not forget to add any protective eyewear, a dust mask, and ear protection to shield yourself from harmful fumes and debris.
Make sure that you don’t forget brushes, rollers, and paint trays for applying the finish as it will help you make sure that everything is in place and all the surfaces end up being smooth and fine. Whether it’s paint, stain, or varnish, and make sure to have appropriate brushes and applicators on hand. When you already have the tools and essentials on you, you will easily be able to start the process and not have to worry about anything as all things will be gathered into one place.
3. Prepare Your Workspace
Creating a suitable workspace is the foundation to the success of any furniture refinishing project, so make sure that you select a well-ventilated area. The ideal option would be to opt for outdoors, where harmful fumes and dust can fade away easily. If working indoors is necessary, and you have no other option then make sure that the area is well-ventilated and the air is passing through and you are able to breathe in your surroundings.
Once you’ve chosen your workspace, lay down drop cloths to protect the ground and any nearby surfaces from drips, spills, or splatters. This not only keeps your environment clean but also makes for easier clean-up later and you won’t even need any kind of help later on. Don’t forget to consider the weather conditions if you’re working outdoors. Make sure that you avoid extremely windy days that end up ruining the project that you are working on.
If you feel that you won’t be able to pull off all of this on your own and will be needing some kind of professional help, then you can reach out to us at NJ Office Furniture Depot as we offer professional and exceptional furniture refinishing services.
4. Work on Stripping and Sanding
Stripping and sanding are important steps in the furniture refinishing process, and they require careful attention to detail if you want the result to be successful and important. The process begins with stripping the old finish from your furniture piece. Make sure you choose an appropriate paint or finish stripper, making sure that it is suitable for the type of finish you’re removing. Apply the stripper evenly over the surface, and allow it to sit for the recommended time, usually indicated on the product label. Make sure you are patient and do not hasten the process.
The next step will be to move towards sanding and to prepare the wood surface. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid leaving visible scratches and any other marks as well. Inspect the wood carefully during sanding to ensure you’ve removed all traces of the old finish and achieved a smooth and stable surface.
Taking your time and following these stripping and sanding guidelines diligently will lay the foundation for a beautifully refinished piece of furniture with a professional-looking result. Once you are done with both stripping and sanding, you will be able to get done with most of the process and will understand what is the next step that needs to be done.
5. Repairing and Rebuilding
Repairing and rebuilding damaged or weakened furniture is a vital aspect of the refinishing process, as it not only enhances the piece’s appeal but also ensures its structural longevity. First of all, before you start to repair, begin by properly examining your furniture for any signs of damage or loose joints. Pay close attention to areas prone to wear and tear, such as corners, joints, legs, and surfaces. Look for broken table legs as well as broken armrests.
Moreover, if you come across loose joints, the first step is to pull apart the affected parts and then work on them. Apply wood glue to the joint surfaces and reorganize all the pieces. For extra reinforcement, consider inserting dowels or screws into the joint before reassembling, and you can use glue as well if you want to, as that will help you get done with the work within no time.
When you are repairing and reinforcing your furniture, make sure you provide a solid foundation for the refinishing process. Make sure you spend enough time on this process and do not take this lightly, as this step will have a direct impact on your refinishing process.
6. Painting
Painting is an important step in the furniture refinishing process, allowing you to give your piece a fresh and personalized look. Before you start the painting process, make sure to lay down drop cloths to protect your surroundings from paint splatters. As you will be needing paint in your desired color along with brushes, rollers, paint trays, painter’s tape, and a paint primer if your furniture has not been previously painted. Make sure you pick and choose between different types of paint options as well as ensure that the paint colour is exactly what you would like it to be.
Also ensure that you wipe away any dust on the surfaces before you start to paint as that will help you ensure that the paint is being done properly and there is a proper layer of paint that is being done. If your furniture has a glossy or dark finish, or if you’re painting over bare wood or a different type of finish, do not forget to apply a primer. Primer helps the paint stick better to the surface and ensures an even finish. Let the primer dry according to the instructions that have been given.
For your paint application, do not forget to use and experiment with different types of paints as well as different options to choose from. Once the paint has been done, the entire piece of furniture will be transformed and it will have a new look, which will look both aesthetic and appealing.
7. Add Final Touches
The final touches in the furniture refinishing process are where you can truly add in your personal style and make your piece stand out. Here are some important parts to consider for those finishing touches. One of the simplest yet most impactful changes you can make is replacing the knobs, handles, or pulls on your furniture. Choose hardware that represents the style and color of your piece. Whether you opt for sleek modern handles, old-style knobs, or pulls, all of these will help ensure that your furniture look as good as new.
Also consider adding decorative accents to your piece, as they will further add unique character and style to your furniture. If there is a cushion or a seat on the chair that you are working on, you can easily choose a fabric that complements your overall design and color scheme. You can further work on its appeal by placing decorative items like vases, artwork, or plants on or near the piece and on top of the table. Other than this you can also add a traditional piece of cloth as a decoration item.
Keep in mind that maintenance is an ongoing part of keeping your refinished furniture looking its best. Make sure that you add in proper details to the furniture and make sure that it stands out. Even when you are having any kind of confusion or issues, then you can always take some help from Pinterest and ensure that all your worries are being taken care of once the final touches have been added.
8. Don’t Forget to Maintain It
Maintaining and caring for your refinished furniture is important to preserve the hard work that you have done it. Make sure to dust your refinished furniture regularly using a soft cloth or a microfiber duster. As dust can accumulate and gather over time and dull the finish, of the furniture, proper maintenance will help ensure that it lasts for a longer period of time.
Even if you do not have enough time, opt for routine cleaning, use a mild cleaner that is suitable for the specific finish of your furniture. Don’t give extended exposure to direct sunlight as that can cause fading and damage to the finish and wood. Position your refinished furniture away from direct sunlight or use curtains and blinds to protect it as that will also be a good option to protect it.
Once you implement proper maintenance you can ensure that your refinished furniture remains a cherished part of your home decor for years to come, maintaining its aesthetics and functionality. Proper care will not only preserve the piece’s value but also allows you to enjoy what you have come up with in great detail and efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I refinish furniture on my own?
Refinishing furniture on your own can be a little tricky and a lot of hard work if you haven’t done any of this ever before. If you want to ensure a proper process and want to get done with it as soon as possible, then we recommend that the safest option would to be opt for professional services as that will give you a peace of mind as well as relaxation.
Q2. Are there multiple steps in refinishing?
Yes, there might be multiple steps in the refinishing process, so you will have to make sure that you take out time for each step. As each step is crucial and important in their own way, it wouldn’t be a good idea to skip any of it as it could directly have an impact on how long the furniture will be lasting.
Conclusion
To conclude, the main behind is to make sure that during the refinishing process you take out proper time for each step and in between steps let the furniture dry with ease as well so that there is no harm caused to the work that has been done. We hope that the ultimate guide to refinishing furniture was helpful for you and you were able to learn something from it. If you would to avail our services for professional refinishing you can connect with us today at NJ Office Furniture Depot.