How to Restore Faded Wood Furniture
In this article, we’ll learn how to restore faded wood furniture by discussing the best restoration techniques and the tools you’ll need to do the job right - so let’s get started!
Wooden furniture adds warmth and character to both indoor and outdoor spaces, but its charm comes with a susceptibility to fading over time. Sunlight, heat, and time can dull the lustre of wood, making once beautiful pieces look tired, worn and old. However, restoring and preserving the natural beauty of wood furniture is a rewarding process that can bring these pieces back to life.
Assessing the Damage
Before diving into the restoration process, take a bit of time to identify the signs of fading and damage in your wooden furniture. Look for areas where the colour has become uneven, the finish is peeling, or the wood appears dry and brittle. By learning about the causes of wood furniture fading, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight or moisture imbalance, you can inspect the most susceptible pieces of furniture. It will also help you determine the best restoration approach based on the type of damage each piece has.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
The right tools and materials will help guarantee a successful restoration while also making the process hassle-free. You’ll need sandpaper of various grits to sand away damaged finishes, our Cleaner and a high-quality finishing product - Oil Plus 2C. Oil Plus 2C offers a durable finish and comes in a wide range of colours, allowing you to match or entirely transform the look of your furniture perfectly. What’s more, it works with a single application, making the job much easier and faster than other wood finishing products.
Cleaning and Dusting
Begin your wood furniture restoration process with a little bit of preparation by removing surface dust and grime. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently clean the piece of furniture without damaging it, paying special attention to crevices and intricate details.
Make sure you choose the right cleaning products for the furniture you’re working with after sanding back the damage. Rubio Monocoat offers preparation products before you start oiling. Each one designed with a different purpose - Tannin Primer, to reduce tannin in the wood coming through, WoodPrep to pop the colour and Cleaner to simply rid the area of sanding dust. We also have a product for outside Exterior Wood Cleaner, which helps get rid of grime and dirt off your surfaces. Both of these products do a great job of cleaning up different types of wood furniture and can help preserve the integrity of the wood while cleaning. You’ll want to select the right product for your wooden furniture and follow proper cleaning techniques to avoid causing further damage.
For interior Surfaces:
- Ensure the surface is dust free.
- Use your chosen preparation product
- Allow time for the surface to dry (you don’t need to rinse with water)
And, for exterior surfaces:
- Dampen your wooden surface with water.
- Apply undiluted Exterior Wood Cleaner.
- Scrub the treated area with a nylon scrubbing brush in the lengthwise direction of the wood until it’s clean. This will cause the Wood Cleaner to foam. For more stubborn stains, repeat this step.
- Rinse the surface with water until all the foam has disappeared.
- Allow the wood to dry - until it feels dry.
Try to get as much of the old finish and dirt off as you can.
Sanding and Smoothing
Sanding is a significant step in wood furniture restoration, so go slow and don’t rush the job. It smooths out imperfections and prepares the surface for a new finish, so it needs to be done correctly. Start with a low grit sandpaper and gradually work your way to a higher grit, we’d recommend up to a 150 grit. This process guarantees a smooth, even surface. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches and achieve the best results for your restoration.
Refinishing Your Furniture
For interior use:
After sanding and using your chosen preparation product, apply Oil Plus 2C to finish your wood furniture. Apply the oil evenly with a beige scrubby pad following the grain of the wood. Allow the oil around 5 minutes to dry before wiping any excess off with our wiping rags.
For exterior use:
Choose from our Hybrid Wood Protector or WoodCream, depending on the project. These products not only restore the beauty of sun-damaged wood but also provide long-lasting protection against UV rays in a single application. They are both available in various colours, allowing you to customise the look of your furniture too.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Once your furniture is restored, regular maintenance is key to keeping it looking its best. Dust it regularly and clean it with products specifically designed for wood. To keep it looking at its best for as long as possible, establish a cleaning and maintenance schedule, and periodically check for signs of wear or damage. We have a whole range of aftercare products ready for you to use.
