How to Fix & Redesign Second Hand Furniture

Secondhand sofa fixed and newly upholstered.

Secondhand furniture is a good investment, especially in tough economic times. Damaged pieces can be found for bargain prices at garage and estate sales or at thrift stores and consignment shops. Fixing and redesigning secondhand furniture can save hundreds of dollars. Instead of buying brand-new furniture, restore and design a secondhand set or piece to your liking.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mask
• Protective gloves
• 320-grit sandpaper
• Electric sander
• Clean paint brush
• Chemical stripping agent
• Putty knife
• 150-grit sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Clamp
• Wood filler
• Epoxy glue
• Varnish
• Wood stain
• Latex enamel paint
• Mild detergent
• Stick
• Scrub brush
• New pre-sized upholstery fabric
• Staple gun
• Upholstery scissors

Instructions

1. Put on a dust mask and protective gloves. Sand wood furniture with 320-grit sandpaper. Use an electric sander on big pieces of wood furniture, such as tables. Remove wood dust with a clean paint brush.

2. Apply chemical stripping agent to wood furniture with a clean paint brush. Make sure to cover the entire surface. Use a chemical stripping agent to remove stubborn layers of old varnish that don't come off with sanding, or to remove mildew and grime that are ingrained in the top layer of wood. Take a putty knife, and scrape away the top layer once the agent begins to oxidize. Dispose of wood peels in a plastic garbage bag. Re-sand with 150-grit sandpaper, and remove wood dust.

3. Repair loose wooden legs with wood glue. Sand the old glue out from the joint with rolled-up sandpaper. Roll the sandpaper like a cigar so that it fits inside the joint, and sand. Remove wood dust with a paint brush. Apply new glue inside the joint, attach the leg of furniture, and clamp in place. Let dry six to eight hours or, ideally, overnight.

4. Reglue raised sections of wood with wood glue. Fill in hairline cracks or gouges with wood filler. Let both dry, and re-sand lightly with 150-grit sandpaper in the direction of the grain. For large splits in wood furniture, use epoxy glue made for wood furniture.

5. Apply clear varnish that is insect-proof and waterproof to the wood. Wait for the varnish to dry, and apply a second coat. Stain first to add to the color of natural wood before varnishing. Use latex enamel paint before varnishing if painted wood is desired. Apply two coats of stain or paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the second.

6. Clean secondhand resin or plastic furniture outside with soapy water. Take mild detergent, and place two capfuls into half a bucket of warm water. Mix with a stick, and dip a scrub brush into the bucket. Take the brush and scrub the furniture vigorously. Rinse the furniture off with a garden hose and let it dry.

7. Recover old upholstery with new fabric for an updated look. Purchase new pre-sized fabric, and attach to the furniture once the old fabric is removed. On sofas and chairs, start at the back, pulling fabric up from the floor tightly. Take a staple gun and staple the fabric to the frame of wood. Keep pulling the fabric tightly while stapling. Do the arms last. Trim off any remaining fabric with upholstery scissors, and staple in place.

References

• BobVila: Repairing Furniture
• RepairHome.com: Learn to Do It Yourself: How to Reupholster Furniture
• RefinishFurniture.com: Prepare Unfinished Furniture