How to recondition your furniture: 5 things to know

What does furniture reconditioning involve?

If you are passionate about the reconditioning process and already have a few old reconditioned seats, you probably already know the answer to the above question. On the other hand, if this is your first project and you are still looking for tips for reconditioning the wooden table or reconditioning the old sofa, you most likely need some clarification.

There are several reasons why someone wants to recondition furniture. Whether we are talking about sentimental value or a passion for vintage style, it will often be preferable to restore a piece of furniture, not necessarily to buy a new one. So, by reconditioning we mean the process by which you can restore the new look and you can put into operation furniture objects that either have an outdated look or have some defects that need to be blurred or finished.

Basically, you can start with a few ideas for painting furniture and you can choose a set of furniture that looks like new, but at the same time keeps a vintage air!

However, do not confuse the process of reconditioning and restoration. By restoration we mean the process of restoring or reconstituting old furniture to its original style and shape. It generally applies to valuables, those that are considered true works of art, not necessarily to the furniture on which the TV sits. If reconditioning can be done by anyone and by any method and with any materials, restorations are handled only by craftsmen or specialized companies and only with the help of materials that were initially used when the furniture was built. Modern materials will not be used, even if they will be more resistant, because they will reduce the value of the furniture.

Of course, it will not be enough to discover more details about reconditioning methods for old furniture, but you will also need some tools.

What the furniture reconditioning kit should contain

A tool kit for reconditioning furniture will contain at least the following five categories of objects:

• Tools: drill, saw, hammer (metal and / or rubber), screw clamps or other elements with which pressure can be applied on the wood glued with adhesive, putty, chisel, planer, measuring instruments (roulette, ruler, level with bubble), knife for applying wood putty, screwdriver and pliers for nails and screws, grinding machine (necessary in case of large surfaces);
• Adhesives and chemicals: wood putty, stripper, primer, varnish, stain, wood wax, wood adhesive, retouching markers;
• Abrasive materials: steel wool, wire brush, abrasive sponges, fine and medium grit sandpaper;
• Protective materials: gloves, face mask, goggles;
• Other necessary materials: roller, sponges, brushes.

Necessary steps for reconditioning furniture

Sure you have some ideas for reconditioning old furniture, but you will need to follow the steps below:

Document the process

Whether it's the first piece you're reconditioning or it's the tenth, it's a good idea to start documenting the reconditioning process. You can take "before and after" photos - make sure the shooting angle is the same and the light is similar. For example, both photos should be taken in front, in daylight, around 10.00. These photos will be a testament to your work and the new life you have given to wood.

If the piece of furniture is complex, with pieces of metal, drawers, various joints - a documentation process will help you reassemble everything, correctly, in the end.

Check each item

Check every corner and every joint of the piece of furniture. If he has legs, check how well each one is fixed. If an element moves and is fastened with screws, they can be tightened. If they are rusty, they can be replaced. If one leg - or more - is missing, it will have to be done again on order - if the option to completely replace the legs does not count.