Restoring an old piece of furniture
An old solid wood piece of furniture is often better quality than a new one, and restoring it extends its life by decades. The work does not require special skills if you go step by step. This guide shows you how to restore furniture safely and sustainably.
You will need
- A mild detergent, a sponge and cloths
- Sandpaper in grits 80, 120 and 180
- Wood glue and clamps
- Paint, varnish or furniture oil
- Protective gloves and a respirator
- A brush or small roller
Steps
Assess its condition and value
Check whether the piece is solid wood or chipboard, and whether there are signs of pests. If it could be a valuable design or antique piece, get advice before painting, as changing the original finish can reduce its value.
Clean it thoroughly
Repair the structure
Find out about the old finish
Sand the surfaces
Choose a finish
Apply thin coats
Dispose of waste correctly
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