Bring New Life to Your Wooden Furniture: Tips for Refinishing

Real wood furniture is an excellent investment, but over time, even the best-kept wooden pieces will show signs of wear and tear. Instead of tossing them out and spending a fortune on new furniture, refinishing your wooden table and chairs could be a cost-effective solution. However, before you start sanding away, there are a few things you should consider. In this blog post, we will provide you with tips on how to refinish wooden furniture and bring back its original beauty.

1. When to Refinish:
The first step to refinishing your wooden furniture is knowing when it needs to be done. Furniture that has lost its luster, has scratches, or has water rings are good indicators that it’s time to refinish. You should also consider refinishing your furniture if it’s more than a few years old. In contrast, if the piece is valuable or an antique, you must get an expert opinion before refinishing.

2. Proper Ways to Refinish:
The first step of proper refinishing is to remove the old finish. Sanding it down to bare wood is the best approach. You can use different sandpapers grits, starting with coarse and progressing to finer grits to get a smooth finish. Ensure sanding is done across the grain, leaving no rough patches. Once sanding is done, clean up with a damp rag to remove dust and debris.
The second step is to apply wood stain if your table and chairs will benefit from it. Spray or brush a light coat of wood stain, then wipe the excess with a clean cotton towel. Let it dry completely before proceeding. The final step is to apply a layer of polyurethane to seal the wood. Apply two to four thin coats, with light sanding in between coats, and let it dry completely. Avoid over-application of polyurethane as it will cause drips and unevenness, and it might require redoing the project entirely.

3. What to Refinish with:
Choosing the right type of finish to use is crucial when refinishing your wooden table and chairs. Polyurethane is the most common finish to use due to its durability, water resistance, and protection it provides from scratches and stains. There are several types of polyurethane available, including oil-based and water-based. Oil-based is preferred on wood, while water-based is suitable for a painted finish.

4. Reviving Wooden Benches:
Did you know that wooden benches are popular furniture in modern gardens, homes, parks, and restaurants? The good thing about wooden benches is that they’re easy to refinish. Begin by sanding and removing all the old wood finish using the procedures mentioned earlier. Know the best type of wood stain to use based on the wood type to achieve the desired color. After staining and letting it dry, add a layer of polyurethane, and let it dry completely.

5. Maintenance:
The secret to keeping your wooden tables and chairs looking brand new after refinishing them is proper maintenance. Avoid putting hot plates or dishes of hot foods directly on the surface of the furniture. Use coasters or placemats to protect the hardware from scratches or spills. Always use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the furniture. Avoid using abrasive compounds or ammonia-based cleaners—it will ruin the finish and strip its natural oils.

In conclusion, refinishing your wooden table and chairs can bring them back to life and extend their lifespan. Knowing when to refinish, the proper ways to refinish, what to refinish with, reviving wooden benches, and maintenance tips will ensure the job is done correctly. You can take on refinishing as a DIY project to bond with your furniture, or you can hire a professional to handle the job if it’s a valuable antique piece. Whatever your decision, refinished wooden furniture can lead to a beautiful, new look and years of increased usage.