How to Repair Old Furniture

Repaired and restored old wood cabinet.

Old furniture is predominantly made from wood. Old wood can become dull, scratched, pitted and broken over time. Damaged furniture does not have to be thrown away or donated to a second-hand shop if in need of a few repairs. Joints may need to be re-glued, or the surface refinished. No matter what the repair job may be, old furniture can easily be restored and brought back to its original glory, or given an entirely different look.

Things You'll Need

• Several large tarps
• Chemical safety mask
• Disposable latex plastic gloves
• Chemical stripping agent
• Three medium-sized paint brushes
• Large putty knife
• Electric sander
• 320 grit sand-paper
• Epoxy glue
• Clamp
• Wood sealant
• 150 grit sand-paper
• Wood stain
• Latex enamel paint
• Water-proof gloss
• Semi-gloss finish

Instructions

1. Place several large tarps underneath furniture being repaired. Choose a work section where there is a cleared space, so no wood dust or chemicals get on other items in a room. Put on a chemical fume safety mask and disposable latex plastic gloves. Wear latex-free plastic gloves if allergic to latex.

2. Open up all the windows for proper ventilation. Seal off air conditioning ducts so no wood dust can infiltrate the airways and circulate through other parts of a home. Repair furniture outside if weather permitting. Space the furniture apart.

3. Use a chemical stripping agent to strip wood furniture of old varnish, or chipped paint. Take a medium-sized paintbrush, and dip into the chemical stripping agent. Paint over wood furniture in even strokes, making sure to cover the entire surface wherever there is noticeable damage. Wait fifteen minutes for the chemical stripping agent to bubble or oxidize, and before it dries fully, scrape away with a large putty knife.

4. Use an electric sander next. Use the sander on large pieces of furniture with flat surfaces, like tables. Sanding will remove splinters and even out the grain after stripping. Take 320 grit sand-paper to sand delicate or small parts on furniture, such as leg joints. Remove wood dust with a clean paintbrush.

5. Re-glue any loose joints, first sanding with the 320 grit sand-paper inside the joint to remove old glue residue. Apply epoxy glue made for wood furniture to the joint inside, and reattach the joint into the hole or groove of furniture. Apply a clamp to the re-glued joint. Let epoxy glue dry overnight.

6. Fill sections with gouges or hairline cracks with wood sealant. Let dry. Take 150 grit sand-paper and gently re-sand the surface. Remove wood dust with paintbrush.

7. Take wood stain and stain furniture. Use a water-based stain, which is moisturizing to old wood. Use latex enamel paint in the color of your choice, if repainting furniture. Apply two coats. Let the first coat dry before applying second coat. Apply a water-proof gloss or semi-gloss finish to seal the paint.

References

• Bob Vila: Repairing Furniture
• Bob Vila: Care and Repair of Outdoor Furniture