There are few things that are as priceless as family heirlooms, unless of course it is one that looks new because of restoration techniques. Getting life into old furniture is not a process that will be quick but is worth the effort. Restoring furniture is not that complicated if the right processes are followed. In considering wood restoration Leominster residents need to consider certain tips.
One of the top most considerations is safety. It is a process that involves use of chemicals as well as tools that can be hazardous if the right precautions are not followed. There should be the use of recommended tools because that makes work easier and ensures the family is safe. There are protective gear such as rubber gloves, eye protection and long sleeve cloths. It would also be important to have a well ventilated area because of risk of inhaling poisonous gases.
Before you start restoring wooden stuff, it is imperative that the finish on the wood is identified. It is not easy identifying natural finishes such as lacquer, shellac and varnish by just looking at them. Identification will involve experimentation. First, there should be testing of the surface by applying denatured alcohol to conspicuous areas. If that finish comes off with alcohol, it can be safely concluded that it is shellac coating.
If it takes some lacquer thinner to remove the finish, you will know you are dealing with lacquer. If none of the two products work, the it would mean it is varnish you are dealing with. It is much easier identifying such finishes that are pigmented as enamel and paint. You can determine oil and penetrating sealers through lack of shine on their surfaces.
One of the available options for restoration is re amalgamation. There are some cases in which finishes develop cracks and scratches which make the surface of wood to be dull. This will lead to some crackling effect. The best way of repair is through amalgamation. It makes use of solvents to get rid of imperfections. The preferable solvent can be denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner. The alcohol is used in the case of shellac. Varnish cannot be re amalgamated.
For re-amalgamation, there should be application of solvent to the surface that is finished. This is done using natural bristle brushes and should happen so quickly so that the brush does not dry up. As the solvent starts to dry up, it appears glossy first and then dull to a finish. There will be no scratches or cracks. The areas will need to be buffed lightly using steel wool. Applying hard paste wax will add extra shine to the surface.
The first step in restoring antique furniture is stripping. This is done to make room for new stains. When there are more paint layers, it will need tougher stripping formula such as semi-paste which is able to stay on the surface to loosen old coats. The stripper should be applied liberally in one direction. Depending on thickness of the finish, you will need to wait some 20 minutes.
The last step usually is refinishing. It is a step that involves applying a new stain coating on the furniture. There will be sanding of the surface, which happens using a vacuum and some tack cloth.
One of the top most considerations is safety. It is a process that involves use of chemicals as well as tools that can be hazardous if the right precautions are not followed. There should be the use of recommended tools because that makes work easier and ensures the family is safe. There are protective gear such as rubber gloves, eye protection and long sleeve cloths. It would also be important to have a well ventilated area because of risk of inhaling poisonous gases.
Before you start restoring wooden stuff, it is imperative that the finish on the wood is identified. It is not easy identifying natural finishes such as lacquer, shellac and varnish by just looking at them. Identification will involve experimentation. First, there should be testing of the surface by applying denatured alcohol to conspicuous areas. If that finish comes off with alcohol, it can be safely concluded that it is shellac coating.
If it takes some lacquer thinner to remove the finish, you will know you are dealing with lacquer. If none of the two products work, the it would mean it is varnish you are dealing with. It is much easier identifying such finishes that are pigmented as enamel and paint. You can determine oil and penetrating sealers through lack of shine on their surfaces.
One of the available options for restoration is re amalgamation. There are some cases in which finishes develop cracks and scratches which make the surface of wood to be dull. This will lead to some crackling effect. The best way of repair is through amalgamation. It makes use of solvents to get rid of imperfections. The preferable solvent can be denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner. The alcohol is used in the case of shellac. Varnish cannot be re amalgamated.
For re-amalgamation, there should be application of solvent to the surface that is finished. This is done using natural bristle brushes and should happen so quickly so that the brush does not dry up. As the solvent starts to dry up, it appears glossy first and then dull to a finish. There will be no scratches or cracks. The areas will need to be buffed lightly using steel wool. Applying hard paste wax will add extra shine to the surface.
The first step in restoring antique furniture is stripping. This is done to make room for new stains. When there are more paint layers, it will need tougher stripping formula such as semi-paste which is able to stay on the surface to loosen old coats. The stripper should be applied liberally in one direction. Depending on thickness of the finish, you will need to wait some 20 minutes.
The last step usually is refinishing. It is a step that involves applying a new stain coating on the furniture. There will be sanding of the surface, which happens using a vacuum and some tack cloth.
About the Author:
You can find an overview of the advantages you get when you use professional wood restoration Leominster services at http://www.myfinishguy.com/services today.
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