i want to restore a piece of wooden furniture that has been rained on and neglected?

Question

i would like to restore depth of colur to the wood without using a stain.though i don't want a high gloss finish i'd lke to restore some lustre whilst maintaining the look of age the piece has.any ideas?

Answer 1

First, make sure that you don't neglect wood preparation. A quality finish is impossible to obtain if the wood isn't prepared properly. Begin by allowing the wood to dry completely. Since it was damaged by rain, I imagine it's pores have soaked up water. You should sand the surface smooth, and usually, it's unnecessary to sand beyond 220 grit. Avoid using steel wool, because tiny particles can accumulate in the pores, and due to the wetness, can quickly rust. Yet, they may not become noticeable until after you've completely finished the piece especially if you intend to use a water-based stain or finish.

Speaking of finish, if you do intend to use water-based products, you should also sponge or raise the wood grain as your next step. Wood fiber will swell when it comes into contact with water, so you should wet the wood with a sponge or cloth, just short of puddling is about right. Let the wood dry overnight, then sand off the raised grain with sandpaper. (Use the same grit sandpaper that you last sanded the wood previously). Sand lightly, too deep and you'll go below the wood fibers that were swollen, and you're back to square one. Again, avoid steel wool if you're going to use any water-based products.

I would suggest using an oil finish since you want to increase the appearance of depth. Tung or linseed oil would work well, as would varnish, including polyurethane. These can be wiped on, but apply in thin coats. Don't let the oil build up because it will cure too soft. Wipe each coat on and allow it to penentrate the surface, this gives it the deep, original color of the wood. This finish won't provide much protection against abrasion or water damage, because they are so soft and thin. Using varnish has the advantage of providing a better surface barrier. If you stop at this juncture, you will have to maintain the integrity of this surface film by recoating it anytime it becomes scratched, worn, or dull.

If you want to seal the piece, it's now time to finish the finish. You could apply several coats of paste wax, or something called a film build. Again, wax doesn't offer much protection, but it does provide a nice finish, perhaps a bit too glossy though. If you wish to seal the furniture, use something like shellac, lacquer, or varnish. There are several different degrees of shine, or sheen as its called, so you can choose the one you like. Probably a semi-gloss would give a good finish like you want. The instructions for application are usually straight-forward and clear, but basically, I'd add two coats, lightly sanding with steel wool in between coats to knock down the microscopic peaks and give it a nice smooth finish.


Good luck

Answer 2

As the others have mentioned, you'll need to sand down until you get through the damaged areas and get a smooth surface again. Start with a rough sandpaper but be gentle if using an electric sander. They'll eat through it. When you're satisfied with the look and thickness of the wood, lightly sand it to a finished stage with light sandpaper - probably a 220 grade. Then, if you select a gloss and just put one layer on it, it will not be shiny and won't have that "elaminated" look and feel on the outside of it and you can still enjoy the natural beauty of it knowing you've protected it from the elements. Two layers would be best but will begin to show a little shine. I've done this with many woods but the best I like is cedar.

Answer 3

This very much depends on the type of wood, and whether there is any existing finish on it. If it's a close-grained wood, experiment where it won't show, with the finest grade (OOOO or OOO) steel wool used gently, followed by proper furniture wax - there's one called "Antiquax" for antiques which is pretty good. Don't use a spray-on like Pledge.

Answer 4

I have used tung oil many times over the years on older abused damaged furniture without staining or completly restoring the furniture piece.

Answer 5

It all depends on the wood. Oak is very resilient to weathering; and a good sanding can often undo years of neglect. Walnut and maple too.
Finish it with Natural stain; there's no color, it just brings out the best in the wood.

Answer 6

Sand it down as best you can. Hard work to get rid of those rain marks. Then use Teak oil. Gives a nice natural shine - bringing up the colour of the wood and will protect for future

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Bonfire

Answer 9

Orange oil or tung oil.... you will get the deep color and saturation but it is absorbed and does not leave a glossy residue. I have even used them on driftwood....beautiful