How to Keep Your Historic Wood Shine After Restoring

When it comes to furniture restoration, there is nothing more satisfying than bringing back the former glory of old wood. The old polish and shine of the wood can make any room in your home look beautiful and welcoming. However, once the wooden furniture has been restored, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect it and keep it shining for years.

Repairing wooden furniture can be a delicate process, but when done correctly, it can breathe new life into old pieces. So whether you're dealing with scratches, water damage, or any other issue with your old wood furniture, these tips will help you restore your wooden furniture and keep it looking great for years to come!

Here are a few tips on how to keep your historic wood furniture looking its best after restoration

Why Restore Wood Furniture or Antique Furniture?

Wood furniture is a classic choice that adds warmth and character to any room. However, if you have wood furniture that needs restoration, you may be wondering whether it is worth the effort. Restoring wood furniture can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it can also be very rewarding.

Here are some of the benefits of restoring wood furniture:

1. Restoring wood furniture can help to bring back its natural beauty. Over time, wood furniture can become dull and scratched. Stripping the old finish and refinishing the wood can help restore its original luster.
2. Restoring wood furniture can also increase its value. If you have an antique or vintage piece of wood furniture, restoring it to its former glory can significantly increase its market value.
3. In addition, restoring wood furniture can be a great way to create a unique piece of furniture. With so much mass-produced furniture on the market, having a one-of-a-kind piece can be a real source of pride.
4. Whether you restore wood furniture yourself or hire a professional, the results will be well worth the effort.

How to Restore Wooden Furniture

Many people love the look of wood furniture, but it can be difficult to keep wood looking its best. Over time, wood furniture can become scratched, chipped, and faded. However, there are ways to restore wood furniture and bring back its natural beauty.

One way to restore wood furniture is to clean it with a damp or lint-free cloth. This will remove any dirt or dust that has built up on the surface of the wood. If the wood is very dirty, you may need to use mild dish soap or orange cleaner. Be sure to test any cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to make sure they will not damage the wood.

Once the wood is clean, you can start to repair any damage that has been done. Small scratches can often be repaired with a little elbow grease, a soft cloth, or a lint-free cloth. For deeper scratches, you may need to use fine-grit sandpaper or a wood filler to restore antique furniture. Chipped edges can also be smoothed down with sandpaper. Finally, if the wood is split or cracked, you may need to consult a professional for repairs.

Finally, you can protect the wood and help it retain its natural color by applying a coat of furniture wax or furniture polish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the furniture polish carefully when applying any products to wood furniture or antique furniture using a clean cloth on the bare wood. With a little bit of effort, you can restore your wood furniture and enjoy its beauty for years to come.

However, for bigger jobs, you may need to call in a professional to repair your antique or wood furniture. If the old wood furniture is really precious, this would be a better option because they are trained to restore furniture, antique furniture, or old wood furniture.

Common Issues with Wood Furniture

Wood furniture is a popular choice for many homes, but it can be susceptible to damage from scratches, light, and everyday wear and tear. Here are some of the most common issues you may encounter with your wood furniture:

1. Light scratches. These are usually surface-level and can be caused by dust or pet claws. To fix light scratches, use furniture polish or beeswax.
2. White circles. These are usually water stains that have seeped into the wood. To remove white circles, sand the area down and then refinish or repaint it.
3. Old varnish. Over time, varnish can become yellowed and dull. To refresh old varnish, sand it down and then apply a new coat of varnish.

What Should You Avoid to Preserve Your Wood Furniture

1. If you have wood furniture, it's important to take care of it to preserve its appearance and longevity. There are a few things you should avoid doing to your wood furniture:
2. Don't place it in direct sunlight. The sun can fade the wood and cause it to crack over time. If it can't be avoided, make sure to have curtains that will block the sunlight during the day.
3. Don't put hot items directly on the wood. This can also cause cracking and damage to the finish. Use coasters or placemats instead. Cracked wood, due to direct heat, is hard to repair and, in most cases, might be unrepairable.
4. Avoid putting moisture on the wood. Water can damage the wood and cause it to warp or swell. Wipe up any spills immediately. Likewise, use a coaster or placemat to protect the wood furniture.
5. Don't use harsh cleaning or polishing products on the wood. Stick to gentle, non-abrasive cleaners that won't strip the finish or damage the wood. You can also make a DIY cleaner that is simple and non-toxic to your wooden furniture. Olive oil and Linseed oil alone are great for polishing and will seep into the wood fibers well.

How to Maintain Your Old Wood Furniture

Over time, wood furniture can lose its luster. Whether it's an antique piece that's been passed down through the generations or a more modern piece that's simply showing its age, wood furniture requires some special care to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips for maintaining your wood furniture:

1. Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, or will damage the wood.
2. Once a month, use a wood polish or wax to clean and protect the finish. Furniture polish will also help to disguise scratches and other blemishes.
3. Avoid placing wood furniture in direct sunlight, as this can cause the wood to fade.
4. In the event of a spill, quickly blot the area with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub, as this will spread the spill and damage the finish.
5. By following these simple tips, you can keep your wood furniture looking like new for years to come.

Different Types of Wood Finish

Wood finish is applied to wood to protect it from wear and tear, staining, and moisture. It can also enhance the wood's natural color and grain. There are several types of wood finish, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Wax finish

Wax finishes are among the simplest and most natural finishes. They provide a thin, smooth coat that does not alter the color of the wood. However, wax finishes are not very durable and must be reapplied often.

Varnish

Varnish is a type of resin that dries to form a hard, protective film. It is available in both water-based and oil-based formulations. Varnish is very durable and resistant to water and stains. However, it can turn yellow over time and is difficult to repair if damaged.

Shellac

Shellac is a resin secreted by certain insects. It dries quickly to form a hard, shiny film. Shellac is one of the most durable finishes available, but it can be difficult to apply evenly.

Lacquer

Lacquer is a type of fast-drying synthetic resin. It dries to form a hard, glossy film that is highly resistant to wear and tear. Lacquer is one of the most durable finishes available, but it can turn yellow over time.

Oil finish

Oil finish is applied as a liquid or paste and penetrates into the wood to form a protective barrier. Oil finishes are available in both natural and synthetic formulations. They are easy to apply but require frequent reapplication to maintain their effectiveness.

Wood dye

Wood dye is used to add color to wood without obscuring the grain pattern. The dye can be applied with a brush, sponge, or sprayer. Once dry, the dye will not rub off or transfer onto other surfaces. Wood dye is an effective way to add color without changing the texture of the wood surface.

Conclusion

Buying wood furniture is a long commitment to protecting and repairing them when needed. As you've read, the maintenance of wood furniture is a lot, but it can be kept at a minimum if you keep them well maintained and avoid possible damage.

So next time you buy wood furniture, make sure that you are prepared for the lifelong repairs and maintenance that it comes with, and who knows, maybe you can pass this down a few generations.