Things To Not Do When Restoring Old Furniture

Old furniture restoration is a popular pastime for many people—it's creative, therapeutic, and affordable. However, enthusiasm can sometimes lead to mistakes. Here are some things not to do when restoring old furniture. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll end up with something fantastic!

Skipping the Cleaning Process

A common oversight is neglecting to clean the furniture before refinishing. Layers of dirt, grease, and grime can interfere with refinishing and result in a less-than-perfect final product. Always clean the furniture thoroughly before working on it, and avoid damaging it with intense cleaning methods or harsh chemicals.

Neglecting the Importance of Sanding

Another error that novice furniture restorers tend to make is inadequately sanding furniture. Sandpapering your furniture's surface is essential for the refinishing process. Skipping this step or hastily sanding the piece can result in rough, uneven surfaces, wood staining issues, and a bumpy final result.

Not Researching Restoration Techniques and Materials

Another major pitfall is diving head-first into a project without learning how to refinish the furniture you are working on. For instance, reupholstering a couch requires particular skills and materials, such as a keen eye for detail and basic sewing knowledge. As for materials, they should complement the furniture’s original design, such as refreshing the padding. Educate yourself about these details before reaching for the staple gun and fabric. Nothing spells disappointment more than realizing you mistreated an antique sofa or used the wrong staples.

Removing the Original Hardware

Hold back the urge to discard original hardware, such as handles and knobs, as they add value and character to the furniture. It feels tempting to do this if you find the embellishments and adornments tacky, but saving them could do more good than you know. Even if they are in poor condition, you can find replacements on the antique market or spruce up the hardware with polish to add personality.

Being Overambitious With Expectations

Furniture restoration can give old or damaged furniture new life, but it pays to moderate your expectations. If a piece is deplorable, the damage might be too much for refinishing miracles. Be realistic, and know when to call in a professional or move on to another project.

Rushing the Process

Restoring old furniture is an art form that demands skill, patience, and attention to detail. While it’s tempting to take shortcuts so you can enjoy the final result, doing so often leads to subpar artistry and unsatisfactory results. Instead, embrace the journey of transforming each piece carefully.

When approaching your reupholstery project, understand the signs your furniture needs refinishing. If you see signs of wear, repair the damage before doing any major cosmetic work.

Every stroke of sandpaper, every layer of paint, and every personal touch contributes to the final masterpiece that you will cherish. Savor every moment of the restoration process, and keep in mind that the result will be worth the effort you dedicated. Learning what not to do when restoring old furniture will result in revitalized, beautiful furniture you’re proud of.