When the living room furniture, bedroom pieces, or even things like kitchen cabinets get to be tired looking, I always run into this question; refinish what we already own or run to the furniture store and buy new.
Living close to Houston, it’s easy to find bargains. For one thing, it’s the home of Gallery Furniture. They really offer the best deals around with same day delivery. But I usually opt to build my own or refinish what I’ve already got in the house.
There’s a few methods of refinishing, depending on what you want.
Refurbishing antiques. This one is approached with caution. In order to maintain antique status, original materials must be used. For example, you can’t whip out the Gorilla Glue. Nope, chances are you’ll have to go with hide glue. It’s hard to find off the shelf but Rockler Woodworking and Hardware carries it.
- Making it look antique. Even if what you own is more contemporary, you can make it look antique. I recently posted an article on a technique to distress kitchen cabinets. Other options include faux finish methods.
- Typical refinishing. This is just a case of stripping or sanding, and then priming and painting or applying a more transparent finish, with or without a stain. I like to use either tung oil or Danish oil. Both absorb into the wood for protection from liquids. Varnish and it’s white rings are so yesterday.
- Refinishing makes more fiscal sense for most of us during this economic depression. Keep the cash in your pocket rather than using more credit.
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