Month: January 2019

The organic beauty of wooden furniture cannot be denied. Some pieces have existed for hundreds of years and if cared for properly, they will never lose their aesthetic lustre.

Still, this very same furniture can suffer from wear and tear; leading to damage and similar issues. There are also times when pristine wood has been masked by layers of paint that were applied in the past.

This is when the talents of a professional wooden furniture restoration specialist can be leveraged. What are some of the tasks which this expert performs on a daily basis?

Preparatory Steps

Preparation is always important in order to ensure future success. Some common steps involve sanding down any rough edges, removing any hardware that needs to be replaced and thoroughly cleaning the piece of furniture in question. This is arguably the most critical stage, as all subsequent results will depend upon such efforts.

Exposing the Surface of the Wood

There are many times when a restoration professional will be required to expose the original underlying wood. This can be quite challenging, as years of paint, lacquer or stains may be present.

This is why these specialists are also experts at stripping techniques. They will use a variety of tools to uncover the original surface without causing any damage to the natural wood.

Fashioning/Replicating Replacement Parts

It could be necessary to obtain and/or clean furniture accessories. These can include bolts, corner protectors and any associated upholstery. There are instances when such efforts can be completed by utilising in-house techniques although it is not uncommon to source these parts from a third party (this is often the case when dealing with speciality antique items).

Evaluating and Reevaluating

The ultimate goal is to restore a piece of furniture to its original appearance. This is why restoration technicians are considered to be true artisans within their craft.

A delicate eye for detail is required and there is simply no substitute for patience. After all, even the smallest of deviations will have a massive impact upon the final result.

It can be very difficult to properly restore wooden furniture. This is why the team at Premium door Stripping will often be called when more challenging tasks need to be tackled.

If you are looking for nothing less than the best, please give us a call to learn more about our services.

There are many times when you might wish to restore a door to its former glory. This is often the case when referring to antiques or if you happen to own a door that has been crafted from fine woods such as oak or mahogany.

Paint stripping is a common technique and if performed properly, you will be amazed at the subsequent results. Still, the efficacy of such a task requires that you use the correct paint removal tools.

Let us take a look at some of the accessories that are normally involved as well as their unique purposes.

Heating Elements

Many individuals will be surprised to learn that heat can represent a very effective way to remove paint from a door. The associated infrared rays will help to loosen the chemical bonds within the paint; enabling it to be removed with relative ease.

This is often the preferred option if there are numerous layers present. Many hand-held systems are specifically designed for such a purpose.

Mechanical Scrapers

Technicians will likewise employ metallic scrapers. These come in all shapes and sizes, so they are able to address issues such as crevasses and detailed finish work.

One common instrument is known as a “five-in-one”, as it offers a number of different surfaces and edges within a single tool. Mechanical scrapers will frequently be used for rough removals before more detailed procedures are undertaken.

Electrical Sanders

Hand-held sanders can also come in handy, as they are able to smooth down any rough surfaces while removing excess paint that might be too resistant to normal scraping techniques.

Circular and belt-driven sanders are two common configurations and the sandpaper is available in numerous grits (depending upon the task at hand).

The Proper Respiration Equipment

This lesser-known concern should never be glossed over. It is always important to wear the appropriate breathing apparatus. Older doors and surfaces may contain lead paint.

This particulate matter can be dangerous if inhaled. Common 3M masks and more robust respirators can provide you with an ample amount of protection.

Removing paint from doors can sometimes be quite challenging. If you are concerned about damaging the underlying surface or if you hope to employ professionals to complete this task within a timely fashion, be sure to contact Premium Door Stripping. A customer service representative will always be standing by.