There are many ways to explain what the difference is between furniture restoration and furniture refinishing.
When people talk about restoration, they mean the process of making small repairs and giving the furniture a light cleaning. When you have an old piece restored, the goal is to keep the structure and outward look as true as possible so that the piece keeps its value.
Usually, it is also called non-invasive, and it would leave as much of the item as possible alone. Also, the process of restoring furniture includes replacing any broken parts and making any other small changes that might be needed to make the piece look as good as new.
On the other hand, refinishing furniture consists mostly of stripping off the old finish so that a new one can be put on. If the piece is made of wood, a professional would use a chemical stripper to remove the finish. The piece would then be sanded, repaired, and refinished.
In the end, refinishing is a more complicated process than restoration. The words themselves explain what these two terms mean, but most people still think of them as the same thing or that they can be used in place of each other. So, it’s very important to know what these terms mean, and you must be clear when you talk about what you want to avoid disappointments or misunderstandings.
You should also think about the state of your furniture when making a choice. You might decide not to use a furniture refinishing process if you don’t want your furniture to lose its value or shine.
The Procedure for furniture restoration
Restoring furniture is a simple process that can be done with little trouble. For the furniture restoration process to go smoothly, you would need the following:
- Sandpapers
- Sanding block
- Power sander
- Stain
- Chosen finish
- Wood glue
- Rags & cloths
- Set square
- Brushes
- Protective goggles
- Metal rule
- Dust mask
- Old clothes
First, you’d have to look at how much damage the piece of furniture has. What does it mean when something is scratched? Does it have watermarks? Are there any spots of oil? Is the paint chipping? Or does the wood used to make furniture have a lot of termites? If the stains and marks are too deep on the piece of furniture, you would have to work hard to get rid of them. If not, things will go much more smoothly.
When you’re ready, put on your goggles, dirty clothes, dust masks, and more. Now, take a sanding block and sandpaper. If you believe your furniture needs a lot of finishing, peel off what’s left. Or else, keep it minimal.
Sand the surface of the furniture until it is clean. After sanding the furniture, you can finish woodworking or replace broken parts to make the piece look as good as possible. After that, finish your work and put the finishing touches on it.
Refinishing furniture refers to reapplying the finish in decorative arts and woodworking. In some places, it’s called repolishing or polishing. The process involves applying wood finish, paint, lacquer, top coat, or varnish to an item. This method restores or renews the finish.
Refinishing can be done on glass, wood, plastic, paint, and metal. You’ll get a long list of modern and traditional finishes. It includes faux finishes to improve furniture’s look.
This procedure has evolved over time, leading to better refinishing. Antiquing or distressing makes furniture look old and antique.
Time can wear out furniture, whether you bought it at a garage sale or have had it for years. Refinishing is one way to restore its lusciousness. When refinishing furniture, make sure it’s not for every piece.
If you have antique furniture, get professional help and don’t tinker.
Special Care Needs to be Taken while Refinishing
Refinishing old wooden furniture is a popular hobby. It’s attracting more people every year. This is a creative DIY that can result in a high-quality piece. Then, decorate your home or office with it.
When doing this on your own, there are many things you must know. To get the best results, consider some factors and take some steps. Unless you’re sure, digging into a gem or family heirloom can be fatal.
Determine if your furniture needs to be removed. Some pieces don’t need to be stripped of polish or peel but can be coated or wiped clean to revive the finish.
Consider the piece’s location. If it is not sturdy and sways from side to side, seek professional help as it may damage the furniture.
Call Abbey Antiques for more details 01708 741135.
