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 Many
people look at this as a way to personalize a gift, make something
unique and special for yourself, have a keepsake or reminder of your
grandmother's buffet, giving a new lease on an old, solid piece of
wood, saving an old piece of furniture from being destroyed or not
paying an outrageous price for a cheaper type of wood or particle
board that will not test the time. There are multiple books from,
you guessed it thrift store shopper experts, videos, and articles on
how to become a thrift store junky. The idea is to guide those who
like the thrill of the hunt to finding those heavily discounted used
items at rummage sales, estate sales, thrift shops, antique stores,
dumpster diving, and even the neighbor's curb.
This new hobby has reached new heights and reaches a wide range of
ages, locations, styles, and costs. This hobby can not only add
extra money to the family budget it can also add quality time with a
loved one or be a way to teach a youngster the value of repurposing,
how change can be invigorating, and how to breathe new life into
older items.
One such avenue to refinishing furniture is by repainting,
reupholstering, or using it as a base or accent for something
greater. In recent years, this has become a passion for anyone
wanting to save a few bucks, add to the vacation fund, or supplement
their retirement. One thing is for certain, this is an art that
takes patience, space, and time. When it comes to repurposing
furniture there are a few steps that should be taken into
consideration.
1. Search for that piece that speaks to you. This is
where the creative juices should come into play when you can
visualize that piece in a different color, shape, or purpose. Don’t
limit yourself, if you have an idea go with it, you just might start
a new trend. And remember if you like it that is all that matters.
2. Pay close attention to the condition of the piece. Are there any
cracks, holes, rot or mold, soft pieces, pieces missing or broken?
What does the underneath side look like, do the drawers or cabinet
doors move well, are all the inside rails included? After
assessment, weigh the overall condition of the piece against your
level of knowledge of repair work. If you are a beginner, it would
be best to start with minimal repair work and concentrate more on
learning how to sand, stain, or paint the item.
3. It is wise to do your homework and know the difference between
solid wood, laminate, veneer, plyboard, and particleboard. Broadly,
wood comes in three categories, solid-wood, soft-wood, and wooden
boards. Understandably, solid wood is the most expensive and the
best to sand, stain or paint. Laminate, veneer plyboard, and
particleboard are good choices for specific items. Laminate is
paper/plastic and veneer is a thin layer of wood quality wood
overlaid on to perhaps solid but less attractive wood. Plywood is
made up of thin sheets of veneer or a combination of soft and
hardwoods. Particle board is made from wooden particle waste from
sawmill shavings. If you are working with any furniture items that
are not made from solid wood, it is more difficult to repair sand,
stain, or paint to achieve a more even, natural look.
4. Shop with a budget in mind and be knowledgeable of
what that piece would cost brand new and what the piece is worth
now. Be sure to add up the piece, the supplies needed, and the time
that it will take to get it to the way you envision the finished
piece.
5. Be realistic! Negotiation skills are always good to have but
don’t be insulting to the seller and try to get a low price for a
solid piece. Keep in mind that piece might just be a good piece of
wood to you, but it might be a reminder of the last Christmas dinner
at Grandma’s house to the seller.
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6. Even though the cost of re-doing a piece of
furniture the way you want will usually be cheaper than shopping
around for that new exact, already-made piece, it could still be a
little more costly than what you think to get started, so plan, but
don’t go overboard buying stain and/or paints until you see the
natural wood. Still, the most costly and valuable piece of
refurbishing is your time.
Sanding or stripping is the only way that you can get
the old paint or stain off that furniture so that you can start with
a clean slate and paint-stripping chemicals are easier than sanding.
If the item is previously painted and you want to show off the wood
grain underneath, the best option is to use a paint stripper rather
than sanding to make sure that every drop of paint is removed.
However, to effectively use a paint stripper your work area needs to
be a consistent 65-75 degrees. You will need to exercise patience,
as it takes time for the chemicals to dissolve the finish,
especially if shellac or lacquer is involved. Paint strippers come
in either liquid or gel form or you can use a heat gun by softening
and loosening varnish and paint, but you will still need to scrape
off the excess. Regardless of which you choose to use, ensure the
full safety of you and your family by blocking off the area where
you are working to keep pets and children from touching or breathing
the fumes, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Sanding comes into play when the wood is uneven, to
remove imperfections, or if you are going to paint the piece to
rough up the wood a little for adherence. If you decide to do any
sanding, make sure you are wearing the proper face protection as
wood dust can pose health hazards, and some paints before 1978 can
contain lead.
Sealing is the most important step. Whether you decide to color the
piece of furniture or not, sealing will help preserve, polish, and
protect that piece of furniture.
For beginners interested in a step-by-step guide, the below link
will help get you started.
How to Refinish Wood Furniture
7 Easy Steps for Beginners
https://www.thespruce.com/mistakes-to-avoid-when-refinishing-wood-furniture-1391598
[Jay Ruppel]
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