Before you start refinishing your furniture, there are a few things you should know. For example, you shouldn’t apply too many coats, don’t clean too thoroughly, and use too little polyurethane. These are all common mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. You can also clean your furniture with a commercial cleaner.
Cleaning before refinishing
Before refinishing your wood furniture, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. If there are loose sections, use wood glue to tighten them. Otherwise, use a wood filler product like epoxy resin to reinforce the damaged areas. Read the manufacturer’s directions on how to apply the filler before continuing.
You can also use a mixture of water and dish soap to clean your wood furniture. Dish soap can damage the finish on wood, so test it first on an inconspicuous spot. Then, use a wet cloth to blot off the dirt.
Applying too few coats
When you’re refinishing wood furniture, applying too few coats can result in a thin, paint-like finish. This will make the wood’s natural color and surface flaws more visible than you might like. To avoid this, apply a thin coat of stain, allow it to dry, and stop when the piece looks finished.
A top coat is another way to protect the natural wood finish. While some people are content with just leaving the wood bare, others want it protected from dirt and household chemicals. A topcoat will protect the wood and dry to a harder finish, which makes it more durable and easier to clean.
Protecting with polyurethane
If you’re planning to protect your wood furniture, you’ll need to choose between oil-based and water-based polyurethane. Oil-based polyurethane requires a longer drying time and requires three to four coats. Water-based poly is more environmentally friendly and can be applied with a foam brush or synthetic bristle brush. It can also be applied with a spray can.
The best way to protect wood furniture is to apply a thick coat of polyurethane. A thick coating is more durable than a thin coat, and it will last longer. It is important to use a respirator while applying polyurethane, because it contains a high level of toxicity. You should also consider using foam brushes, which don’t produce brush marks and are easier to clean.
Using a commercial cleaner
If you’re trying to restore wood furniture, using a commercial cleaner will help restore its beautiful finish. A commercial cleaner can remove years of dirt and grime without harming the finish. It’s a good idea to test the product on an inconspicuous area first before attempting it on a large surface. It may be necessary to apply it several times. After each application, wipe down the surface with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil.
Commercial cleaners and polishes contain silicone oil and petroleum distillates. These products can create a sticky film if applied too thickly. Use a soft cloth to avoid leaving behind residue that could interfere with the refinishing process. You can also apply a protective film to prevent the buildup of the polish.
Preparing wood for staining
Preparing the wood for staining is not as simple as you might think. If you don’t prepare the wood properly, you can expose flaws and reduce the quality of the finished project. To begin the process of staining, you need to fill nail holes, remove sawdust, and sand the wood. This step will help the stain adhere to the wood. Make sure to watch out for light horizontal lines, which were formed during the manufacturing process.
First, sand the wood surface with a 220 grit sandpaper. This opens the pores of the wood and allows the stain to penetrate it easier. It’s also a good idea to test the stain color on a small piece of the furniture to ensure that the color matches the wood. Then, use a brush or sponge to apply the stain. Apply the stain in even strokes in the direction of the wood grain. After applying the stain, let it dry according to the instructions. The longer you wait, the darker the tone will be. When applying the second coat, lightly sand the surface to make sure it’s not too shiny or dull.
Using mineral spirits
If you’d like to restore wood furniture, you can refinish it using mineral spirits. You can buy mineral spirits from a hardware store, but make sure to buy pure mineral spirits. Avoid green mineral spirits, as they can be contaminated and can ruin your wood project. If you’re unsure about whether mineral spirits will work for your project, you can test it on a scrap piece of wood first. After applying mineral spirits to the scrap piece, wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth.
When applying mineral spirits to wood, make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain. This will help remove sawdust from the surface and avoid bumps in the finish. When wiping, use even strokes and avoid circular motions to avoid destroying the grain.