Furniture Restoration 101: Materials Used and How It Works

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  June 16, 2022
I love creating free content full of tips for my readers, you. I don't accept paid sponsorships, my opinion is my own, but if you find my recommendations helpful and you end up buying something you like through one of my links, I could earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Restoring furniture involves a lot of time and effort, but it’s worth it. It’s a process of repairing and improving a piece of furniture to its original condition, which can save you money and give you a unique piece that’s perfect for your home.

In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about restoring furniture and share some useful tips and tricks for the process.

What is restoration

The Art of Furniture Restoration: The Process, Pros, and Cons

Restoring furniture is a complex process that involves a lot of time and effort. The process begins with a thorough cleaning of the piece, which includes washing, repolishing, and sanding. This process is necessary to remove any cosmetic changes that may have occurred over time and to prepare the piece for the restoration process.

The Pros and Cons of Furniture Restoration

There are many pros and cons to restoring furniture, and it is important to consider them before deciding to restore a piece. Some of the pros of furniture restoration include:

  • Preserving the integrity of the original piece
  • Creating a unique piece that cannot be replicated
  • Adding value to the piece
  • Saving money compared to buying a new piece

However, there are also some cons to furniture restoration, including:

  • The time and effort involved in the restoration process
  • The cost of hiring a professional to do the job
  • The possibility of making mistakes that can damage the piece

Reviving Beautiful Pieces: Materials Used in Furniture Restoration

When it comes to restoring antique furniture, traditional materials are often the go-to for quality results. Here are some of the most commonly used materials:

  • Wax: Wax is a popular choice for finishing antique furniture. It helps to protect the wood and gives it a beautiful shine. Brands like Priory and Annie Sloan offer high-quality waxes for furniture restoration.
  • French Polishing: This technique involves applying multiple thin coats of shellac to the wood, which gives it a deep, rich finish. French polishing is a time-consuming process, but the results are worth it.
  • Reviver: A reviver is a product used to remove years of grime and dirt from antique furniture. It’s important to use a gentle reviver that won’t damage the original finish of the piece.

Modern Materials for Furniture Restoration

While traditional materials are still widely used in furniture restoration, modern materials have also become popular in recent years. Here are some of the most commonly used modern materials:

  • Osmo: Osmo is a brand of wood finishing products that are eco-friendly and offer excellent protection for furniture. Their products are easy to apply and come in a range of finishes.
  • Quality Paints: Sometimes, restoring a piece of furniture requires a fresh coat of paint. Using high-quality paints like those from Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams can help to ensure a long-lasting finish.
  • New Hardware: In some cases, replacing the hardware on a piece of furniture can give it a whole new look. There are many brands that offer beautiful and unique hardware options, like Anthropologie or Restoration Hardware.

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Furniture Restoration Services

When it comes to choosing materials for furniture restoration, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the piece you’re working on. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Original Finish: If you’re working on an antique piece, it’s important to use materials that won’t damage the original finish.
  • Quality: Using high-quality materials will ensure that your restoration work lasts for years to come.
  • Future Use: Consider how the piece will be used in the future when choosing materials. For example, if it will be used frequently, you may want to choose a more durable finish.

What Sets Furniture Restoration Apart from Furniture Refinishing?

When it comes to furniture, restoration and refinishing are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, there is a fundamental difference between the two processes. Restoration refers to the process of repairing and restoring a piece of furniture to its original condition, while refinishing involves altering the appearance of the furniture by applying a new coat of paint or stain.

Structural vs. Cosmetic Repairs

How to strip wire fast
How to strip wire fast

One of the key differences between restoration and refinishing is the type of repairs that are made. Restoration focuses on structural repairs, such as fixing broken joints or replacing missing pieces of wood. Refinishing, on the other hand, is primarily a cosmetic process that involves sanding, stripping, and applying a new coat of paint or stain to improve the appearance of the furniture.

Retaining the Original Appearance

Another important difference between restoration and refinishing is the goal of each process. Restoration aims to retain the original appearance of the furniture, while refinishing involves changing the appearance of the furniture to something new. Restoration is often preferred for antique or valuable pieces of furniture, as it helps to maintain the integrity and value of the piece.

Minor vs. Major Damage

Restoration is typically used for furniture that has minor damage, such as scratches, dents, or small cracks. Refinishing is often used for furniture that has more significant damage, such as deep scratches, water damage, or extensive wear and tear.

Chemical Stripping vs. Wooden Repairs

Restoration involves using wooden repairs to fix any damage to the furniture, while refinishing often involves using chemical strippers to remove the old finish before applying a new coat of paint or stain. Wooden repairs are often preferred for antique or valuable pieces of furniture, as they help to maintain the original integrity of the piece.

Professional Help

Both restoration and refinishing can be done by professionals or DIY enthusiasts. However, restoration is often more complex and requires a higher level of skill and expertise. If you have a valuable or antique piece of furniture that needs restoration, it’s best to seek the help of a professional to ensure that the piece is properly restored and retains its value. Refinishing, on the other hand, can be done by DIY enthusiasts with some basic knowledge and the right tools.

Conclusion

So, restoring furniture is a complex process that involves a lot of time and effort, but it’s worth it to preserve the integrity of the original piece and to add value to it. You should consider hiring a professional for the job, and using quality materials like wax and paint. Don’t forget to use reviver to remove years of grime and dirt. So, don’t be afraid to restore that old furniture piece and make it look new again! You’ll be glad you did.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.