- Staining wood. Staining is a quick and simple way to even out discolorations on the surface that shows the furniture’s age. Whether you’re staining it back to the original color or going a few shades darker, it is amazing what a coat or two can do to transform an old piece of wood furniture.
- Removing stains and discolorations. If you’re not ready to make the commitment of a total re-stain, a removal of stains and discoloration will make the furniture appear cleaner without losing any of the original colorings. The most common types of stains include white spots, ink stains, wax and gum spots and blushing. It is important to remember to only work as deep as the affected area and retain as much of the original stain color as possible.
- Repairing Cracks. If your wooden furniture is old, chances are there is some cracking on the surface of the wood. Repairing cracks is a simple way to transform a piece of furniture back to its original state. There are various types of wood fillers and putties that can be applied to achieve a restored look.
- Replacing hardware. Replacing the old existing hardware on furniture is probably the simplest restoration technique to transform your furniture. Most likely, any hinges, handles, drawer pulls or ornamental elements on an heirloom piece are scratched, worn or dysfunctional. Adding new hardware will automatically update any piece without losing the vintage effect on the wood.
It is important to constantly be treating any signs of generational wear and tear on an old piece of furniture. Chances are you won’t be the last person to use and love the piece, so keeping it in good condition for the next inheritor is important to the longevity of your furniture.