If you want to breathe fresh life into a much-loved piece of wooden furniture, you can do so cost-effectively by refinishing it. At the same time, with a bit of planning, you can avoid the hassle, time and effort of stripping or sanding.
And that can be useful, because there are a few drawbacks to paint stripping. These include the potential harm the chemicals may cause if you don’t handle them properly. The process can also leave a residue in its wake.
And while sanding gives you full control over how much material you use, and is often great with flat, durable surfaces, it can be physically tiring. Equally, it creates messy and potentially harmful dust if you’re not careful.
So what’s the alternative?
First, give the piece you are working on a thorough clean with warm water plus a mild soap. Any dirt, dust or grime can have an impact on whether or not the new finish adheres well.
If you want an alternative to sanding or stripping, just apply a fresh coat of paint or a new stain directly on the previous finish.
Other ideas include applying a liquid deglosser rather than sanding. This gets the surface ready for a new stain or paint without stripping or sanding. Just apply with a cloth to remove the glossy top layer, and your surface will be ready.
Yet another option is to use a gel stain, which rests on top of the wood. Unlike a regular stain, it doesn’t penetrate the timber. And it’s the perfect way to update the look of your item.
You can use a chalk paint for a no-sanding furnishing makeover, too. It sticks well to many surfaces without extensive preparation. Add two coats for complete coverage, then seal and protect wax or a topcoat.
Finally, fresh hardware such as new handles could complete the look to perfection.
Should any furniture not be refinished?
Yes. Some pieces should be left as they are, since not every piece is appropriate for this kind of makeover. Items you should not refinish in the way described above include high-value antique or vintage furniture. Equally, anything with a veneer finish or lead-based paint is best left alone.
Additionally, if you have rotten or damaged wood, a piece with intricate detailing or carving, or something that’s a precious family heirloom or has a special coating, don’t strip or sand it.
Talk to Royal Stone Care
At Royal Stone Care, we offer high-quality wood repair, polishing and sealing in London. What’s more, we work across a wide range of varied settings.
So we’re not just about natural stone restoration; although we look after marble, granite and similar materials very well too.
