Essential Steps To Restoring Old Furniture

Summer is home improvement season. We only have three or four short months to carry out all those project ideas we’ve seen on Pinterest or the changes we’ve envisioned in our homes over the winter. We use the warm weather as an opportunity to make some design changes—and it’s often well worth it!

If this is your reason for the season this year, don’t forget about the furniture you can update and restore. Remake old tables into polished bedside tables and rickety cabinets into kitchen masterpieces. You just need to follow the basic yet essential steps to restoring old furniture to do this. And we’ve got you covered!

Identify the Material

Your first step is to know what you’re working with. Is it mahogany? Is it an engineered wood? Figuring out what you’re restoring is essential to ensure long-lasting success. Look into the different types of wood or other materials and their prep routines to get yourself in a good position!

Get the Supplies

Once you’ve figured out the material and have an idea of how you want to revamp your piece, you need to get the necessary supplies. If you’re updating the cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom, you won’t just need sandpaper, but quite a few other things as well. Here’s a brief list of what you may need (remember that your specific requirements will depend on the project):

• Dish soap, sponges, and towels
• Paint stripper
• Sandpaper in a few different grits (you may need a power sander, depending on the project size)
• Putty
• Wood sealant or varnish
• Wood stain or paint
• Glue and clamps (if the furniture’s rocky and you need to reinforce it)

Put Time Into the Prep Period

The prep period is the longest part of the process, and this often leads people to rush and skip steps. But if you want your project to look professional and last longer, you need to finish each aspect carefully. Don’t skip over washing, sanding, and covering blemishes. In the end, you’ll be glad you did!

Key Steps include cleaning (with wood cleaner or liquid detergent and water), re-amalgamating (if you notice any cracks or scratches beneath the stain), stripping, sanding, cleaning again, and sealing!

Figure Out What Needs Reparation

Now, you may notice in your prep period that some things need fixing. If you notice broken hinges, make sure to purchase some new ones. If the legs on the chair are wobbly, get some glue and stabilize them. Part of the fun of restoring old furniture comes from being hands-on with the piece!

Refinish or Paint

And of course, your last essential step to restoring old furniture is the most fun—painting or refinishing. This is where your home’s personality gets to come to life! There are tons of different stains, finishes, and paint colors to choose from. So, don’t rush the process.

When you’re determining the stain or color for the result, don’t forget to think about hardware. It should flow nicely between other items in the space. And when you’re looking for the perfect pieces, head to Craft Supply Corp. We have everything you need, from kitchen cabinet hinge for sale to decorative cabinet hardware. Explore our offerings now!