Jackson Bean 
Refinishing furniture can be both creative and rewarding; it gives old pieces new life that have been neglected over time.
At times, hiring professional restoration experts may be beneficial. When dealing with costly or time-intensive restoration projects, professional assistance may be a sound investment.
Preparation
If you plan on restoring furniture, it is necessary to first prepare its surfaces for its new look. This involves cleaning, stripping, staining and finishing; follow this order of steps so your piece looks its best!
Label all hardware and pieces as you disassemble them to help ensure you remember where to reassemble them later on. Wear a face mask as well to avoid breathing in chemical strippers’ fumes.
DIY furniture restoration can be an exciting and fulfilling journey, giving a piece a new lease on life. However, it is also important to recognize when it may make more sense to hire professional restoration services; complex structural issues or repairs should always be left up to experts.
Stripping
Before beginning to sand and paint furniture, it must first be stripped in order for new coatings to adhere properly. Use chemical strippers in well-ventilated areas according to manufacturer’s instructions – making sure any adjacent areas are covered with tarps or cardboard to catch drips and make the process simpler.
Once finished, use a plastic scraper or steel wool soaked in thinner to scrape away any leftover residue on your furniture. You may then sand with 120-grit sandpaper.
If your piece has minor dents or paint spatters, try this trick to fix them without using harsh chemicals: Cover a straightedge razor blade with masking tape, then carefully scrape away paint using your straightedge razor blade.
Painting
As you prepare to begin your DIY furniture restoration project, it is vitally important to consider safety. Wearing long sleeves, eye protection and a mask can protect you from chemicals which could cause skin irritation while keeping the workspace well ventilated will reduce dust build-up during this process.
Once sanding has been completed, an additional coat of primer should be applied to ensure the stain or paint adheres properly. Wipe-on furniture stains may also prove beneficial as they’re easy to apply quickly without showing brushstrokes as easily. Creating a timeline for the project is also wise, since rushing any step could cause uneven coloring or sealant that doesn’t dry completely; hiring professional services for larger or more complicated projects could save both time and money.
Staining
If you want to alter the natural hue or add an interesting style to a piece of furniture, staining can help give it that distinctive touch. Make sure that you follow all application directions carefully – especially regarding whether any existing stains can coexist with any new ones applied – when selecting your stain.
DIY furniture restoration can be a captivating art that breathes new life into old treasures, yet it is equally rewarding and important to know when professional expertise should be brought in. Here, we explore the nuances of furniture restoration as well as indicate instances when professional expertise should be sought out. When performed properly, DIY restoration can be cost-effective and time-efficient; but always wear protective gear in order to avoid potential hazards.
Finishing
Once your repairs and staining are complete, it’s essential to apply a final coat of finish to add sheen, protect against future scratches and wear, and make old furniture appear brand new again. Kevin recommends Minwax wipe-on poly (available both aerosol and liquid forms).
Furniture restoration can be an engaging hobby that brings new life to a piece of furniture at a fraction of its original cost. But it is essential to recognize when professional restoration would make more sense; in particular, pieces with complex structural damage or high financial or sentimental value should always be handled by trained experts to preserve both safety and maximize value.
