Posted by Nirav Ashara in 5 Tips for Restoring Old Furniture, Top 5s on Thursday, July 16, 2009
5 Tips for Restoring Old Furniture
Professional furniture restorers and hobbyists alike all have one thing in common -- the desire to pluck a piece of furniture off the side of the road and restore it to its former glory. And what's not to like? Not only are you saving something from a landfill, but you're breathing life into something that's long been forgotten. All the former owner knows is that the legs of the table are busted, the surface is marred by water rings and it doesn't sit evenly on the floor. What's more, it's taking up valuable space where that new Ikea dining table should go. But what many might see as a space-consuming relic from days gone by, furniture restorers see as a possibility.
If you've never tackled a furniture restoration project, you should know the difference between refinishing and restoring a piece. Refinishing can be as simple as stripping off the top layer of varnish, sanding and applying a new one. Project done. Restoring can involve refinishing, but it can also require a whole lot more -- fixing broken legs, replacing hardware, repairing cracks, replacing trim pieces and fabrics with period detail. Basically anything that's required to get the piece of furniture as close to the original condition as possible is called restoration. Often, it's more than just a facelift -- it has to do with making the item usable again and possibly even adding value. Here are five tips that can help you make the old new again.
5: Research and Inspect
The first step is to do a little research to determine its value, so you know whether or not you should try and restore it yourself. Inspect the piece for marks or labels that may indicate its origin. Even if the piece isn't old but it was made by a master craftsman, it could be valuable. If you suspect that it's worth some money, it's best to consult a professional before proceeding with any work. The library is an excellent resource to help you identify certain periods and styles of furniture, or find a furniture restoration shop and seek out their advice. Take photos of any markings or tags for your records. Removing a collectible antique's finish could lessen or void its value, so hold off on stripping or sanding for now.
There are a few things the novice can look for to determine its age. Feel underneath. If the interior corners are sharp, then it's probably not an antique. Take out a screw and look at the threads. If they have inconsistent widths between them, then it's probably pretty old. These are just a couple of tips -- valuing antique furniture is a much more complicated process that should be performed by a professional appraiser. If you do find that a piece is valuable, you should not only hold off on restoring it, but you also should insure it as soon as possible.
4: Clean Before You Start
Before whipping out your sandpaper and paintbrush, you should give the piece a thorough cleaning. After years of neglect, it's likely to have a patina of dirt and grime. Removing the buildup can reveal a nice finish underneath, so a good cleaning and buffing may be all that old chair needs to sit stately in your living room.
A good place to start is to give it a good scrub with a sponge and some vegetable-based oil soap in warm water. A lot of older furniture is detailed, so you can use a soft toothbrush to get in the nooks and crannies. It's a good idea to remove hardware so you can clean behind it, as well as give the hardware a good shine. Toothpicks are handy for getting between tight spots, but here's a tip -- get a wooden dowel the size of a pencil and buy a pencil sharpener. It's much more solid than a toothpick, and you can keep it nice and sharp for digging out grime. If you need to use steel wool on some stubborn wax buildup, go with No. 0000 and use a light hand. Too much pressure can dull the finish.
3: Repair
The next step is to repair or replace any broken parts. You may luck out and stumble across a comparable leg or knob at an antique store or estate sale, but don't count on it. In most cases, if you want to match what already exists, you may have to get parts custom made. The auction Web site eBay is another option with its robust antiques trade. If you do find or order a new piece of hardware, you may want a professional's help with installation, unless you feel good about your skills as a craftsman. Most people can manage handles and pulls or a drawer in disrepair, but if you're replacing legs or dealing with the structural integrity of the piece, you might need some help.
If the table or chair wobbles, it may simply need some screws tightened. Find the culprit by turning the piece over and inspecting each leg where it meets the body. If it shakes, check out the screws, and if they're in good shape, tighten them down. If they're rusted out, carefully remove and replace them. Small breaks can be joined with wood glue, and if you have any small cracks, use like-colored wood putty. And if you plan to use stain as your finish, make sure you buy a putty that can be stained.
2: Refinishing or Painting
Refinishing the piece means taking off the old finish and creating a new one. It's physically demanding, so be prepared to use some elbow grease. Stripping is a messy and cumbersome job, but the result is rewarding. For a do-it-yourselfer, it's best to use a combination of chemical strippers and sanding. Patience is definitely a virtue during this phase of restoration because some finishes can be stubborn. If you get frustrated and try to speed up the process, you can gouge the wood with a putty knife, leading to more repair work.
There are many different kinds of stain, and each works best with different woods, so be sure to thoroughly research your options before proceeding. If you determine that the wood underneath isn't worthy of staining, you can always paint the surface. Just be very sure it's not a valuable piece, because it sure won't be once you paint it. If you do decide to paint, just sand the finish to smooth out any bumps before you start. Whether you're painting or staining, once you finish stripping and sanding, you'll want to give it another good cleaning. A clean surface is key to creating a professional finish.
1: Tools of the Trade
If you green-light a furniture restoration project, you'll need some tools to make it all happen. Take a trip down the sandpaper aisle first and get a variety of grits. Start with the rough stuff (80-120) and work your way up to the finer grits (400). Get a couple of putty knives, one plastic and one metal. There are all kinds of other furniture scrapers in the same section and you can always give one a try if it feels good in your hand. Grab some No. 0000 steel wool and a liquid stripping gel, and you're on your way to the refinishing department.
You'll need screwdrivers to tighten up any loose joints, both Phillips head and flat head. You should also have a small hammer and a rubber mallet, which will allow you to give the wood gentle reminders without leaving a mark. If you're serious about restoring your piece, you may need to invest in some wood clamps as well. You can buy a variety pack or wait and see what your needs are and buy them individually.
You should also have the following items on hand:
- Wood glue
- Wood putty
- Oil soap
- Measuring tape
- Gloves
- Respirator
- Two to three inch (5.08 to 7.62 centimeters) angled paint brush
- Toothbrush
- Toothpicks
Now that your toolbox is full and you're armed with these tips, you're ready to begin restoring your furniture to its former glory.
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