Month: March 2019

Restoring antique furniture is both an art form an a science. Much like any other skilled trade, there are certain techniques to embrace and others which should be avoided altogether.

Let’s take a look at some common precautions when undertaking such a task as well as why it might be better to delegate more challenging work to the hands of a professional.

Personal Safety Issues

Antique restorations often involve in-depth and potentially hazardous tasks such as mechanical sanding and furniture stripping. While quite effective if performed correctly, these very same requirements can sometimes lead to the release of irritating substances into the air such as fine wood particles and even lead paint. This is why wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment is always important.

Removing Excessive Amounts of the Surface

Stripping paint and varnish from wood will often require the use of chemicals in addition to common methods such as hand sanding. However, users need to be careful when performing such tasks.

If too much of the surface is accidentally removed, it could detract from the overall appearance of the furniture. This is even more important when referring to delicate portions such as hand-carved wooden inlays.

Improperly Cleaning the Surface

The surface of the furniture will need to be thoroughly cleaned after any sanding or stripping has been completed. The presence of dirt, moisture or oils will prevent any future finishes from adhering properly.

It is also wise to follow the instructions in regards to the specific type of furniture, as certain woods and surfaces may require special attention.

Selecting the Wrong Materials During Repairs

Many individuals who restore furniture are looking to return the piece to its original condition and appearance. This is why purists would argue that historically accurate materials must always be used.

For example, placing a cheap piece of modern velvet over a section of upholstery that dates from the 19th century could negatively impact the overall appearance of the furniture. This is why it is a good idea to perform a bit of research to appreciate the options at your disposal.

While restoring furniture is a very rewarding task, it can also be quite challenging for those who are unprepared. This is why more complex projects are often expedited with the help of the technicians at Premium Door Stripping. We will be happy to take on even the most daunting demands.

Stripped screw holes can be quite common in doors and door frames. This is usually the result of an excess amount of movement (such as when opening and closing a door on a frequent basis).

Eventually, the wood fibres will either wear away or become damaged to the point where they are no longer able to serve as anchors for the screw. Common symptoms include loose mounting brackets and a door that fails to close flush with the frame. The good news is that this situation can be fixed relatively quickly. Let’s take a closer look at one do-it-yourself method.

Filling the Screw Hole

This is the most aesthetically pleasing method, as a new hole will not need to be drilled. First, remove the screw and any shavings that might be present within the initial bore hole.

Take a piece of scrap wood (preferably the same type that is already present). Shave a piece that is roughly equivalent to the depth and diameter of the hole. Make certain that it fits snugly before removing the shunt.

Then, coat the strip of wood with high-quality wood glue. Insert the shaft into the bore hole and allow it to dry. As the wood and glue cure, the shaft will expand slightly. This ensures a tight fit. Once the glue has completely dried (generally within 24 hours), sand off any bits that remain raised above the surface.

Inserting a New Screw

A small pilot hole will then need to be drilled into the centre of the wood-filled shaft. This pilot hole will be used to guide the new screw. Assuming that the hardware is properly in place, drill the screw into the pilot hole. Check that the screw is firmly tightened before permanently securing it in place.

When Should a Professional be Called?

In the event that numerous stripped holes need to be addressed, it could be a wise idea to call a professional. This firm will be able to provide expert advice and if necessary, an entire section of the door can be replaced with a wood that will match perfectly with the original.

If you would like additional advice on similar issues or should you require a service to remove layers of old paint from furniture or trim, be sure to contact a representative from Premium Door Stripping. We are always pleased to help.

Removing excess paint from the surface of furniture is one of the best ways to restore these pieces to their natural condition. There are a number of paints which Premium Door Stripping can address and in order to appreciate the choices at your disposal, it is wise to look at each variant in greater detail.

Acrylic

Acrylic (or water-based) paint is one of the most common types of paint seen on furniture. This configuration is known for its fast drying time as well as the nearly limitless number of available colours.

Enamel

Enamel paints are oil-based in nature and they are particularly known for their ability to protect furniture surfaces thanks to a durable nature. Enamels can also be used to cover up unsightly features such as stains and knot holes. As these are oil-based formulations, the stripping process is different when compared to dealing with acrylic paints.

Matte

This type of paint is actually more associated with surface sheen than its chemical composition. Matte paint exhibits a flat appearance as opposed to a glossy shine.

This could present an issue, as flat paints tend to absorb stains and they normally cannot be washed (the paint itself might be removed during the process). So, it is no surprise that matte surfaces will often need to be stripped.

Gloss

Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are often used when individuals wish to provide their furniture with a more visible aesthetic appeal. Still, glossy paints can become dull or discoloured over time.

This is particularly the case if the furniture happens to be located outdoors. Our stripping specialists are just as capable of removing gloss paints from the surfaces of your furniture.

Emulsion

This type of paint is associated with a specific colour pigment bound with a water-soluble resin. It is used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. More than one coat is normally applied in order to avoid the presence of any “bleeds” caused by underlying colours or stains. We are capable of removing emulsion-based paints from furniture as well.

Regardless of the type of paint that you need to remove, there is no doubt that our team is here to help. Stripping paint from furniture will result in a natural appearance that might not otherwise be possible. Please do not hesitate to speak with one of our representatives to learn more.