Faux finishing is almost as simple as repainting furniture. However, unlike simple painting where you just change the color, faux finishing adds a little more detail to your furniture. It will not only give your furniture a new look but it can also add character to it. There are many ways to faux finish furniture. Listed below are just some examples. Continue reading How To Faux Finish Furniture
Whitewashing furniture is done to brighten and protect the furniture and to bring out the wood grain’s pattern. It gives your furniture a semi-transparent and wax-like coating which gives it more texture. It can also be referred to as pickling, liming, or antiquing, depending on the type of wood you are working with. Whitewashing is best for furniture made of pine. Continue reading Whitewashing Furniture
Summer has finally arrived, so, it’s a good time to start thinking about how your yard and patio look. Ugly patio furniture can be a direct reflection of the upkeep in your home. Broken outdoor furniture is not only ugly, but it can be dangerous too! Patio furniture repair kits come with a variety of tools and materials to help you repair almost any piece of outdoor furniture. If you’re planning to replace the cushions on your patio furniture this summer, why not give it a little maintenance too? Patio furniture requires a little more upkeep than indoor chairs, sofas and love seats because of Mother Nature’s natural beatings. Don’t even think about trashing that outdoor furniture until you check out some of these repair supplies and tools. Continue reading Repairing Patio Furniture with Furniture Repair Kits
Varnish is used to protect and beautify wood furniture. There are many different types of varnishes along with many different ways to apply them. Some can be sprayed on, some can be brushed on, and some can be wiped on. The method you use doesn’t really matter, but it’s still good to know the difference. This article talks about everything you need to know about wipe on varnish, from what it is to how you can make it your own. Continue reading Wipe On Varnishes
Lacquer and polyurethane are two of the most common finishes used for wooden furniture. Although they are both effective finishes, it is important to know the difference between lacquer vs. polyurethane.
Lacquer is considered the best finish to use for wood because it’s durable and dries quickly. There are three types of lacquer: acrylic, water-based, and nitrocellulose.
Acrylic lacquer was made to avoid yellowing problems that other kinds of finishes often left. When applied, it goes on clear and stays that way forever. There are many kinds of acrylic lacquers, but the most commonly one is the CAB-acrylic lacquer. This kind of lacquer is more flexible and less brittle than other kinds of lacquer, but it also costs more. It is usually used on woods with light colors like birch, ash, and maple. For best results, mix it with some lacquer thinner and apply using a spray. CAB-acrylic lacquers are mostly used over other lacquers so that the surface that it’s applied on will be more durable and resistant to wears and scratches.
More Information about Acrylic Paint
Because of the toxicity associated with solvent-based lacquers, more and more people turn to water-based ones. These kinds of finishes are not only less toxic, but are also more durable than some solvent-based ones. They also last longer than other types of finishes. For example, a water-based lacquers useful life can exceed that of a nitrocellulose lacquers by at least 5 years. They are also very flexible and dry faster than solvent-based lacquers if used in the right temperature. However, they tend to raise the wood’s grain. Water-based lacquer is cheaper than solvent-based ones though.
Nitrocellulose lacquer is an evaporative finish that has been used for many years already. It was first used as a finish for automobiles but later on became the most favored finish for cabinets and other types of furniture. This kind of lacquer gives the surface of your furniture a protective film so that it is more resistant to abuse. It can be used on furniture with light or dark wood because it can enhance its colors either way. Repairs are also easy because of its ability to blend into previous coats.
On the other hand, the film formed on the surface may shrink and yellow over time. The shrinking may cause cracks on the surface of your furniture. Nitrocellulose lacquer can be brushed on but better results are obtained if you choose to spray it on. However, you should make sure not to overspray, as it is very flammable. Blushing, or having a cloudy film finish, may also be caused by the fast dryness of this kind of lacquer. To remedy this, you can add a thinner that makes the drying time slower so that moisture can escape from the film.
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Shellac Vs. Polyurethane Vs. Varnish Vs. Lacquer
Like lacquer, polyurethane is a finish that you can use for wooden furniture. It can be applied on either by wiping or spraying. There are two kinds of polyurethane: oil-based and water-based. We have already examined the different kinds of lacquer. In order to see which is better in the battle of polyurethane vs. lacquer, let us examine the different kinds of polyurethane.
Oil-based polyurethane is easier to apply than water-based ones because of its slow drying time. This allows the finish to become more level and creates a surface that is smooth and glossy. However, because of some of its ingredients, it is quite harmful to your health. Oil-based finishes are also harder to clean because you will need to use different kinds of solvents. However, they are much easier to acquire since they are available in many hardware stores.
Water-based polyurethane dries more quickly than oil-based ones but it is harder to produce a smooth and level surface because of the appearance of bubbles. However, the finished surface is still as durable as if it was finished with an oil-based finish. It is non-toxic and can easily be cleaned up with water. However, it is usually not available in many hardware stores so you might have to order it somewhere else.
There is no better finish when it comes to lacquer vs. polyurethane. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you to pick which one you are comfortable working with.
Everyone wants their furniture to be durable, but at the same time look appealing. Different kinds of finishes are made to address this problem. However, not all of them can withstand water. Fortunately, there are different kinds of waterproof paint for wood that can help with this problem.
Waterproofing wooden outdoor furniture is important because this type of furniture is constantly exposed to harsh elements. Simply buy some Krylon 1311 Water Resistant Matte Finish spray from Amazon and you’ll be on your way.
Spray varnish is a relativity new invention that is much more practical than paint. It only takes 15 minutes to dry and cures completely within a day. It can also be used on other types of outdoor furniture like metal and masonry.
When working with this type of lacquer, make sure that there is low humidity and that the temperature is not below 50 or above 85 degrees. Clean the surface you are going to waterproof with a brush, sand, and then use a tack cloth to wipe it after. Use a drop cloth to cover the area you are going to work on and then spray the air near the surface from side to side. It is best if you apply a lot of thin coats rather than a few thick ones. Let dry and only use after a day.
Learn about the strongest waterproof wood glue here.
Tung oil has been used for many years as a wood ship preservative in China. This is because Tung oil can penetrate wood and form a water repellent layer. I recommend using Hope’s 100% Tung Oil for the best results. This will accentuates the wood’s grain and make it a little darker than the original.
Before applying Tung oil, make sure to sand the surface first because the oil will not be able to hide any scratches or blemishes that are left behind. Then, apply some oil on a clean rag and rub along the wood’s grain. It is a good idea to start on the areas that are harder to reach first to avoid drips and runs. Leave the surface alone for around 30 minutes and then remove excess oil by rubbing with another clean rag. Let it dry completely before using. This usually takes weeks but the wood already absorbs the oil in around 24 hours. For best results, 3 coats should be applied. Also, make sure that you sand after each coat application.
Learn about repairing outdoor wicker furniture with Tung oil here.
Another way to waterproof your furniture is by using a polyester resin and acetone solution. This waterproof paint for wood, however, is not recommended because you can’t control the outcome of the color. However, you can test the color by trying it on an inconspicuous spot or on scraps first. To use this, thin some resin with acetone until it looks similar to thick water. This will help the resin soak deep into the wood, making it tolerant of the wood’s flexing capability. Because of this, cracking and separation of the paint is prevented.
When using polyester resin and acetone, you’re going to have to put on several coats. After your every application, mix more of the solution, but add less and less acetone each time. To know if you have enough coats, there are no more changes in the color of the solution. Waxed resin should be applied as the final coat and then the surface must be sanded after.
Waterproofing your furniture will not only protect it and increase its lifespan, but it will also keep it looking beautiful. There are many kinds of waterproof paint for wood that you can use in waterproofing your furniture. Some of them, however, may not be compatible with the wood’s original color. Knowing the different ways of waterproofing your furniture can help you determine which method to use for your furniture.
Waterproofing can prolong the life of your furniture especially if the furniture is located outdoors. There are many different kinds of waterproof paint for wood that you can use for your furniture. Because all of them are effective, it is really up to you to decide which one to use.
Wood furniture that has seen several repairs may need a wood hole filler to hide the screw holes. Holes, scratches, and dings in furniture can make it look old, worn, and just plain ugly. To learn how to repair furniture scratches and dings please refer to our earlier post. To learn how to fill holes please continue reading.
Fixing a screw hole depends on the wood type that you are dealing with. For example, if you are dealing with soft woods, you can use strips of the same wood as a wood hole filler by gluing them into the hole. Make sure that the glue has dried for a few hours and then level and sand the area as necessary.
This also works with hardwoods, but make sure that you don’t mix them up. If you don’t know what type of wood you are working on, you can always be a try and use other kinds of wood like matchsticks or toothpicks instead. You could also try and find the strongest epoxy glue or “Bondo” fillers, but these may cause problems, as they don’t flex with the wood. Wood fillers are also a common option but they aren’t the best for structural safety. This is because wood fillers are usually used for aesthetics and are not strong enough to hold screws and such.
Holes can also be caused by age or excessive use on some furniture. If the damage is only as deep as the surface, they can easily be repaired with the use of a wood hole filler. One filler that you can use for small holes are putty sticks. These types of fillers come in different wood tones. If none of them matches your wood, you can mix several colors together. Using a putty stick is very easy. You simply have to apply it on the hole and then use your fingers to level it with the wood. If you are going to have the surface finished or refinished, make sure that the putty has dried for at least 7 days.
If the holes are large, the easiest types of fillers that you can use are water putty or a large hole wood filler. Both of these fillers can come in different colors but they are usually darker than the wood. When using wood fillers, clean the hole using a craft knife then press the filler in. Make sure to do it tightly and to leave a small mound above the wood because filler shrink when they dry. They usually dry quickly, but it is better to leave them alone for two days before smoothing, sanding, and buffing the area.
Water putty, on the other hand, is the best filler for bare wood. To use it, the powder is mixed with water and then applied into the hole using a putty knife. Like wood fillers, make sure that there is a small mound left above the wood. Level the area by sanding and then finish the surface or the whole furniture.
Interior Vs. Exterior Wood Fillers
As their name suggests, an interior wood hole filler is used for indoor furniture while an exterior wood hole filler is used for outdoor furniture. It is important to know the difference between the two because one type of filler may not work well when used in an environment that it is not compatible with. Outdoor furniture, for example, need fillers that can resist weather changes while indoor furniture doesn’t really need these. However, although they can be quite different from each other, there are still some products that can work for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
There are many different ways to fill holes in your furniture. It is important to know what type of hole you are working with and for what purpose you are going to use it for because the methods of filling these holes are very different from each other. For example, wood fillers may be great options for normal holes but they aren’t as advisable for screw holes. Using the correct methods will definitely lengthen your furniture’s lifespan.
Varnish and polyurethane are two popular finishes used for furniture refinishing today. It’s not a really a battle between varnish vs. polyurethane because one isn’t better than the other. Both have positives and negatives that I will explain in this post. Continue reading The Differences Between Varnish And Polyurethane
The strongest epoxy glue may not necessarily be the best glue for your furniture repair. There are many more important factors than the just the strength of the glue. Continue reading Best Epoxy Glue
When refinishing furniture, the old coat of paint has to be removed before applying a new one. The easiest way to do this is by using paint removers. There are many different kinds of paint removers available in the market today, so it is very difficult to determine which one is the best. In order to determine what the best paint remover is, it is important to compare and contrast each and every type available.
Different Types of Paint Removers
Liquids are one type of paint remover. They are usually used to remove paint with a simple clear coat or one to two layers of paint. They are also a good choice if you are removing paint from detail areas, irregular surfaces, or stubborn spots.
Brushables are another type of paint remover. This kind of paint remover can cling to vertical and overhead surfaces and can also easily be rinsed away by water. Because water can damage the wood’s grain, using this kind of paint remover requires extra care. There are also sprayables, which are paint removers that come in spray-on bottles. Like brushables, these are also easily rinsed with water. The best paint remover among these really depends on what project you are going to use them on.
Paint removers can be either toxic or non-toxic. Toxic paint removers contain chemicals and organic compounds that can be harmful to your health. Non-toxic paint removers are biodegradable, and can remove oil- and water-based polyurethanes or varnishes.
As mentioned above, some paint removers have chemicals that can be dangerous to your health. Even the best paint remover isn’t exempt. One precaution that is almost always neglected is the advice in the removers’ manual. Even if you have used paint removers before, it is still important to read through the manual just to be safe. It’s also important to wear proper clothing, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself from getting contaminated by the chemicals. Always work outdoors if you can, but if you can’t just make sure that the area you will be working in is properly ventilated. Most paint removers are flammable, so never use them near any source of heat. Including cigarettes!
Before removing paint from furniture you should make sure that the furniture is in perfect condition. Even the best paint remover won’t work if the piece you are stripping is damaged. This can’t be emphasized enough. For the best furnature stripper to work effectively, your piece must be in good shape to take in the treatments. When determining how to repair your furniture, you first have to know what type of finish was used on it. Surfaces finished with shellac or lacquer don’t need sanding or recoating to repair scratches or cracking. All you have to do is apply alcohol or lacquer thinner to the cracks, wait for it to harden, and then buff it with paste wax. If the surface was finished with varnish, old English oil can make scratches disappear temporarily. In order to repair them for long-term use, sand the surface until the scratch isn’t seen anymore and then apply paste wax.
Even the best paint remover can’t conceal white blotches or rings on your furniture’s surface. These blotches can sometimes be removed by a simple cleaning though. Some people have had success using a soft cloth with some toothpaste on it. Just rub the cloth over the blotches and wipe it off when you’re finished. If this doesn’t work, try holding a cloth with thinner on it over the area with the blotches, but make sure that you don’t touch the furniture’s’ surface. The fumes from the cloth will help the moisture escape. Finally, if all else fails, sand the blotched area and rub a dampened cloth over the blotched area. When they disappear, let the area dry for at least an hour and then apply some paste wax. Please see our other posts for a more information about repairing furniture.
How to Repair Furniture Scratches
What is the Strongest Wood Glue?
How to Repair Outdoor Furniture Like Wicker
Removing old paint with paint removers is a fairly simple job. The first thing you need to do is to transfer a small amount of the paint remover from the original container into a smaller one. You should do this because you don’t want to spoil the best paint remover in the original container by dipping and re-dipping a used brush in it. Apply a thick coat of paint remover over a small area in one direction. Make sure that you do not apply over areas that already have a coat. Let it to dry for at least 30 minutes or for as long the manufacturer recommends. Using a putty knife, scrape the paint in a circular motion. The thinner is ready if you get to the surface underneath the paint. Wait for 10 more minutes if it isn’t ready. If it it’s ready, remove all the paint in the area that you are working on. Any residue left should be wiped away with a rag and paint remover. Wash away the remaining paint remover from the surface. The best paint remover can be washed away by water while others need mineral spirits or ethanol.
There are many things to consider when choosing and using the best paint remover. It is important to know all of these so that the project you’re working on will show the best results.
