How to Refurbish Used Furniture

Beatifying Grandma's old rocker is an easy weekend project.

Buying used furniture is one way to beautify your home without putting out a lot of money. Many times, of course, a great piece of furniture comes with a few flaws -- a few scratches, a dent or an old, tired clear finish. Fearing the piece cannot be brought back to life, that it might need a new finish or that it would take a pro to fix it, many people stay away from quality vintage furniture. There is no need to fear because many vintage and antique pieces can be refurbished in a few hours for just a few dollars.

Things You'll Need

• Terry cloth rags
• Oil soap
• Liquid scratch cover
• Petroleum-based furniture moisturizer
• Petroleum- or beeswax-based paste wax.

Instructions

1. Remove drawers, shelves and other removable parts from case furniture to give easier access to all parts. You might find it convenient to keep beds assembled. Access and comfort are key to doing a good job.

2. Clean the piece with a terry cloth rag and oil soap. Use the minimum amount of soap recommended for furniture cleaning. Wring the cloth out so it is just damp. Rub all finished surfaces gently in a circular motion, rinsing the rag and changing the water often. Allow to dry.

3. Moisturize dry, tired surfaces by cleaning with a petroleum-based furniture moisturizer. Oil and lanolin gel-type hand cleaner -- without pumice -- does the same job. Thoroughly wipe excess cleaner off all surfaces.

4. Cover shallow scratches with a liquid, oil-based scratch cover that matches the color of the piece. Allow the scratch cover to penetrate the raw fibers so it stains the raw fibers. Wipe thoroughly and let the piece dry.

5. Wax the piece with a petroleum- or beeswax-based paste wax. Begin by rubbing a thin layer of wax onto the piece in a circular motion and finish by wiping with the grain. Allow the wax to harden -- 20 minutes is usually sufficient.

6. Buff the wax finish to a nice shine with a clean terry cloth towel. Once again, start in a circular motion and finish with the grain.

Tips & Warnings

• Pieces that have missing hardware are often great deals. Buy your own hardware to personalize your vintage furniture. Don't be afraid of drawers that have loose corners. Simply glue them up and tighten with ratchet straps or a few bungee cords and let them sit overnight. Small areas of loose veneer that have no missing parts and aren't buckled too badly can be glued back in place. Use a wooden block and C-clamps to clamp the veneer in place. A piece of wax paper keeps the veneer from adhering to the block.

• Avoid pieces that have missing veneers, deep gouges, unacceptable stains or finishes that need to be replaced. Choose furniture that is in good overall condition.