Do you have a wooden cabinet or table whose glory days have passed? Perhaps there’s only one scratch or stain too much, or it’s lost its sparkle. Fortunately, an unequivocally constructed wooden piece is the ideal chance to do some refinishing and save the planet simultaneously. Given that the normal devour over a massive load of wood every year, refinishing old wooden furniture can cut that number down only a tad. That is the reason numerous convenient individuals attempt their hand at refinishing wooden furniture. Be cautioned, however, that there are traps galore for mistakes to be made.
Here are the most common mistakes we’ve seen and how to avoid them:
Follow Manufacturer Instructions for Properly Refinishing Wood
The most common and most avoidable pitfall of wood refinishing is not adhering to the instructions on the label. Maybe you have resurfaced wood previously and feel comfortable with the process. However, the chemical cosmetics of every item can differ enormously, starting with one can or bottle then onto the next. Here and there, it’s even possible for novice refinishers to purchase some unacceptable item for their furnishings. Make sure to peruse all labels and regard all instructions painstakingly. This by itself can save you from possibly harming your wooden piece.
Not Fully Removing the Finish
Removing the old finish off a piece is arguably the most cumbersome and exhausting step in refinishing wooden furniture. Most DIY refinishers will use a chemical stripper or paint stripper due to their efficiency. However, remember to apply a generous, even layer to the wood. An uneven layer will result in patches where the finish has not been completely removed.
Waiting Too Long or Too Short for the Chemical Stripper To Work
Here’s an example of how following the guidelines on the product label can make it or break it. Not standing by long enough for the substance stripper to set in will constrain you to scrape the finish off. Stand by too long, and the paint and old finish will dry and turn out to be hard again. You will likely remove the finish exactly when it is relatively delicate.
Sanding In The Wrong Direction
After the old finish has been removed, it’s essential to sand the surface to remove any rough spots or problem areas. In this step, you must file in the direction of the grain and not against the grain. Sanding correctly will make a massive difference to your final result. Any stains or varnishes applied on top of a poor sanding job will only emphasize rough places or swirl marks.
Not Letting Layers Dry Properly
Whether you’re applying stain, sanding sealer, or even your completions, it’s essential to allow each layer to dry before applying the following. Depending on what you decided for your piece, a few products will expect you to stand in the middle of each layer. You will want to figure out the suitable holding up time and instructions on the container.
Summing Up:
Refinishing a wooden household item can be a time-consuming process yet enjoyable and remunerating for some. We recommend that you invest the time to do legitimate research on what choices and products are out there. Most importantly, put the security of yourself and your family first.
