A famous actress once said, “I was always fascinated, even as a child, by antiques and ancient times. I always felt I should have been born in the 17th or 18th century. They really had a big stone castle with authentic furniture.” Presumably, a true fact, given the quality and workmanship of traditional craftsmen and laborers.
Modern furniture, on the other hand, renders diversity in patterns and artistry. Most users purchase the wooden architecture on the basis of themes applied in their dwellings; the appearance can be natural or contrasting. A typical design offers:
- Minimalism
- Smooth Surfaces & Curvatures
- Neutral Colors & Vivid Hues
- Use of Composite Materials
Furniture is an essential commodity for a closed structure. It requires proper care and maintenance by users as well as hired professionals. Different tools and equipment, such as sand blasters, chemicals, and strippers are used to refurbish fittings and improve sheen and finesse. Following are some critical steps to undertake the refinishing process.
Step 1: Use Mineral Spirits for Cleansing Furniture
Before commencing the repair process, use petroleum spirits. It helps to clear the surface from blots and stains and saturates the wooden asset for a smooth finish. If the shine isn’t visible, you can opt for oil and vinegar, furniture wax, soap and water, or other chemicals.
Step 2: Fix White Rings
Petroleum jelly is one of the best materials used to remove white rings on the furniture.
The jelly’s oil penetrates the surface and adheres to the ring, minimizing its visibility to a great extent. Petroleum jelly doesn’t work on every surface. In that case, synthetic chemicals can do the trick. Or, you can hire a professional to fix the issue.
Step 3: Scrape the Paint
A fresh and refreshing coat of paint is the best option to enhance the appearance of wood. However, you need to clear the surface to start afresh. Use a paint scraper, wire brush, or heat gun to remove the thin layers of paint. Thereafter, clear the surface with a woolen cloth and water.
Step 4: Replace Damaged Wood with Epoxy
If you find damaged molding or chipped wood, fix it with epoxy putty; it hardens and changes color after some time. You can stain, shape, and sand it too. To use epoxy, slice it with a utility knife or a razor blade and knead it. Once it gets sticky and blends into a uniform color, you can use it. Apply it in five to ten minutes.
Use a sandpaper to fix the repair. Ensure that you don’t remove the surrounding finish. Thereafter, paint gel stain to match the color of the wood. You can also use touch-up markers. Choose two colors of stain to match different areas of wood. Blend the two colors and use an artist’s brush to develop the grain. Recoat the entire surface if the color doesn’t match.
Step 5: Fill Cracks and Restore Dents
If there are nail holes or cracks after the final finish, cover them with wax-filled sticks or fill pencils. To fix holes, break a piece of the stick and warm it. Then press it with a tool. Concerning cracks, make thin sheets and slide it on the specific area. After applying wax, buff the area with a soft cloth.
To repair dents, wet the area to swell the broken wood fibers back to their original shape. However, moisture must penetrate the wood surface in order to expand. Make small slits if there is no space for water to move into the surface.
Step 6: Use a Wipe-on Finish
The last step in the refinishing process is a wipe (gel-finish). To apply, use a clean cloth and swirl it on the surface. Let it dry overnight and see the results on the next day!
Refinishing is an important step in managing wooden architecture. It improves the look ‘n’ feel of the entire structure and renders a new outlook for the viewer. If you want to increase the value of your premises and save time and money, connect with Flooring and Refinishing Guru today.