Benefits of Restoring Old Furniture

There are many benefits to restoring old furniture: it’s good for the planet, it’s often cheaper than buying a complete set of brand-new pieces, and you can use old varnishes and paint. Investing time in a project can be hugely gratifying when you see the final product sitting in your living room and kitchen. Being able to claim that you were the one who got it to its current glory is always a boost to your self-esteem. Before you start getting out the sheets of sandpaper, what are the best methods for restoring outdated furniture?

Firstly, what can you save?

The first step you need to take towards overhauling your old furniture is to take a look at what you’ve currently got. Old bookshelves, wooden chairs, and tables are perhaps some of the easiest items to restore. On the other hand, a large 70s sofa covered in brown velvet might be a bit too challenging – unless you have the skills to reupholster it. Wooden items are some of the easiest to renovate, as you can sand them before painting. Metal and plastic items can be more challenging, as the paint tends to peel and fall off.

If you don’t own a vast amount of outdated furniture, this is a good opportunity to go to used furniture store shopping. Searching ‘ second-hand furniture Charleston’, for example, will find plenty of local thrift stores. Going through thrift stores to find out what can be salvaged is an excellent way of finding cheap items to get your hands on.

Protect yourself

Restoring old furniture is much more monumental than re-painting an old windowsill. Stripping and painting can generate strong fumes from various chemicals, not to mention an abundance of dust. It doesn’t matter whether you are working by yourself or as a team: before you start, put on eye protection, dust masks, and cover your hands and arms. Ideally, work in an open area or, at the very least, ensure it is well-ventilated by opening all the windows. Keeping all strong chemicals away from your body while working is crucial for your health, but it will also eliminate any risk of needing to rush to the emergency room halfway through your project!

Clean the furniture

Cleaning your furniture first will not only prevent lumps and bumps from appearing as you work, but it will also make life much easier when you start sanding. Depending on the item, you might need to wash it down with soapy water. However, for tougher grime or wax, you might need a specialized cleaner or a spirit to cut through the grease.

Repairs

If your furniture has hit the outdated pile due to general wear and tear, don’t panic. Some dents, scratches, and breaks are very easy to repair – you need patience and time.

• Broken leg: If you have a table with a leg that is susceptible to snapping now and then, you will be pleased to know that fixing it is easier than you might suspect. You must re-break the fracture to get the glue into the right place. Using a glue that is right for the material (probably wood), apply a liberal amount. Squeeze the two parts together and solidify the position using a clamp. Remember to wipe off any excess glue that oozes out of the sides, as this will look unsightly.
• Scratches and dents: Using fixing putty is the best way of fixing dents. Using a small, sharp object to remove dust or grit, fill the gap with putty, and wait for it to dry. Then, sand it down. This is perfect for going underneath the paint and other finishes.

Wooden furniture

Once you have cleaned the furniture, it’s time to prepare it for painting. If the item you are working with is covered in paint, use a coarse-grit sandpaper or a sander. This prevents the paint from peeling and gives you a nice new surface to work with. Alternatively, if there’s barely anything on the wood, you will need to use a fine-grit piece of paper to give the new layers of paint something to stick to. After that, put down a primer first and then layer the paint coats until you have the desired effect. Remember to allow each coat to dry first – this is where having a well-ventilated room or area comes in handy.

Before you start painting the furniture, it’s a good idea to mix the paint first. When you pop open the lid, you may notice a color difference or that there has been some separation in the tin. Mixing it first is also essential for consistent color throughout the process. Please ensure you are in a well-lit area as you apply it. This helps you judge how many coats are needed and whether you are happy with your chosen shade.

One last piece of advice when painting wood: buy new brushes if your current ones look a little ratty. Nothing will frustrate you more than constantly picking out bristles from your paintwork as you go along. It’s a good idea, too, to pick a brush that is the right size for the job. Invest in a larger brush if you have more space to work on. By searching ‘upcycle Charleston,’ you will find plenty of places ready to help you restore pieces of furniture, including projects such as ReStore Charleston. However, getting stuck into an upcycling project can be just as rewarding. Learning how to sand down a piece of furniture and give it a new lease of life can leave you feeling proud and fulfilled, not to mention the benefit of having a piece of furniture that feels virtually brand new.