Refinish a Piece of Furniture
Remove the tired finish, repair the loose joint and watch the grain return as the first new coat goes on. Refinishing turns a scratched table or unfashionable chest into a useful piece again, with every dent forcing a decision about what to preserve and what to change. The job is part diagnosis and part craft. Solid wood may respond to cleaning, careful sanding and oil, while veneer can be ruined by aggressive abrasion. Paint, varnish, wax and lacquer need different preparation. Older coatings may also contain lead, so an attractive roadside find should not meet a power sander before its age and finish have been considered. Start with a small sturdy piece, identify the material and work in a well-ventilated area. The Health and Safety Executive advises wet abrasion or suitable stripping methods for old lead paint rather than dry sanding or overheating it. Use the protection specified by each product, allow full drying time and dispose of residue safely. Add this to your list and rescue something better built than its current appearance suggests.