The Most Expensive Wooden Furniture On the Market

The Most Expensive Wooden Furniture On the Market

When it comes to expensive furniture, not all designs are created equally. There are certain materials which are extremely expensive and to appreciate their presence on the market, let us take a look at some of the most costly (and elegant) examples that are currently available.

Purple Heart Wood

As the name suggests, one of the reasons why this wood is so expensive arises from its natural purple hue. Purple Heart Wood grows in the rainforests of Central and South America. It is also difficult to source; growing in hard-to-access regions such as the Amazon. This wood is also notoriously hard; leading to increased labour costs during production.

Sandalwood

While sandalwood is rather common, it is highly valued due to its natural aroma as well as certain medicinal benefits. It is said that the scent of sandalwood can last for decades if treated properly. Thus, is makes sense that this type of furniture is priced quite high.

African Blackwood for Musical Instruments

One of the most interesting facts associated with this type of wood is that it is used to make a variety of musical instruments such as the oboe and the clarinet. Its near-black colour also adds to a unique aesthetic appeal. African Blackwood is rather scarce and when used to make furniture, it can be quite expensive.

Ebony Wood

Believe it or not, ebony wood can cost as much as £9,000 per kilogram. It exhibits a pure black colour and due to its density, ebony wood is one of the only woods that will sink when placed in water. It exhibits a very rich grain and due to a superior sense of durability, this wood is often used to make the black pieces found on a chessboard. While not entirely rare, the supplies are limited.

Pink Ivorywood from Tropical Forests

Found within specific regions of Africa, pink ivory wood is a rare and exotic species known for its unique shades ranging from delicate pink to deep purple. It offers exceptional durability and rot resistance, making it ideal for high-end furniture, jewellery, billiard cues, canes, knife handles, and other luxury goods.

While you are not likely to encounter any of these species within your home, it is still a wise idea to expose the natural wood associated with doors and windows to increase their organic appeal. If you would like to know what might exist underneath countless layers of paint, please utilise our door stripping services. You might be surprised to learn what is present!

Tips on How To Fix a Cracked Wooden Door

A common and frustrating problem homeowners face is a cracked wooden door. The fix for this is often just as easy as the problem itself! Common causes include mechanical damage or temperature variations (particularly if the door is found on the exterior of your home).

However, many cracks can be repaired in order to avoid a more costly replacement.

What does this process involve? Let us quickly examine some professional suggestions.

Remove the door from its hinges

The first step of the process is to remove the door from its hinges. This makes it easier to work on and also allows it to be stored away until the door can be re-hung.

Never forget to take some photos of your doors’ pre-repair state – this will allow you to easily replace your door should there still exist any issues at a later date (i.e. if the same problem occurs again).

Sand down the damaged area

Using a belt sander, carefully sand down the damaged area to ensure it is as smooth as possible. This will also remove any splinters that may have formed due to previous splits in the wood.

Always wear protective gloves as well as safety glasses when using a belt sander. You should also clear away all nearby items to prevent them from being damaged.

Apply wood filler over the cracks in order to fill them in

Once you’ve sanded the door down, wipe it down with a damp cloth so it is nice and clean. Then apply wood filler over any cracks to fill them in – make sure not to over-do this as too much can cause you more work later on!

There is a wide range of wood filler available to buy from most DIY shops and online home improvement retailers.

You should apply the wood filler with a putty knife until it is smooth and levelled. Allow it to dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours.

Sand again with a belt sander

To achieve that smoother finish, sand the door again with a belt sander – this will remove all of that excess wood filler and ensure you have an even surface to start working on.

Apply the belt sander to the edges to ensure that they are smooth. To achieve this it may be easier to prop up the door with a few spare 2x4s and sander them until you’re happy with the finish.

For any paint stripping or restoration of your wooden doors, get in touch with us here at Premium Door Stripping. We specialise in restoring the beauty and integrity to all types of wood. Contact us for more information on how our services could help you preserve the natural beauty of your property.

How Paint Stripper Affects Your Car

Why paint stripper is also used to spoil motor vehicles

Paint stripper blog post image.
Thankfully, none of our paint strippers would have this effect on your vehicle, as the solvent base is lower on paint stripping agents for doors and furniture. Image by Charnsitr (via Shutterstock).

For car owners, paint stripper is a must-have tool for removing old layers of paint from the car. It’s important to know how it works and what you need to do before using it, so your car doesn’t get damaged in the process. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how paint stripper affects your car – and more importantly – what you can do to protect it!

How does paint stripper affect your vehicles?

In a nutshell, the paintwork of your beautiful motor disappears but it varies on the type of stripper you use.

If the car paint stripper is not removed, it can cause corrosion of surfaces. Paint will be discoloured and peeled off in chunks after a period of time with exposure to heat and rain or any other form of moisture.

If you want to use this product on your car, apply it when the vehicle has cooled down for at least 4 hours after being driven. Do not apply the car paint stripper on a hot vehicle and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.

Alternatively, the automotive paint stripper can be used by any professional or DIY car enthusiast if they want to remove old layers of paint from their cars. This is usually done as an initial preparation before painting your vehicle with a new coat of gloss, body paint, filler or any other product.

The car paint stripper is not as effective on vehicles that are well maintained and have a glossy coat of polish, but it can be used cautiously to remove old layers of dirt and grime from the surface if desired.

Protecting Your Vehicle

To protect your vehicle before stripping the paint from the body, you should cover the car in an old sheet or make sure the car is well-ventilated. Non-metal parts of the car should also be covered with an old sheet or newspaper to protect them from the paint stripper.

The car paint stripper should never come in contact with rubber seals or grommets as these areas can erode and become brittle over time. Old brake fluid is another aspect of your car that you want to protect.

Safety Tips

When using an automotive paint stripper, always read and follow all instructions on the label carefully before applying this product to any surface.

Do not use a car paint stripper if anyone in the house is pregnant or has an allergy to isopropyl alcohol.

We know you’re looking for the best way to remove paint from your car. With this blog post, we wanted to provide a comprehensive guide on how and why paint stripping chemicals affect cars so that when you need professional help with it, you can partner with our team of experts at Premium Door Stripping who will safely apply these chemicals without damaging your vehicle. Have any questions? Let us know!

How To Strip Paint Off Stone Window Sills

Painting stone window sills not only adds aesthetic value but it also prevents rain ingress in porous stone.How To Strip Paint Off Stone Window Sills

Over the years, there may be an accumulation of several thick layers of paint on the stone window sills that may be an arduous task to remove.

Traditionally, there have been unsafe and inefficient methods to painstakingly remove this paint through the use of solvents, heat treatment or mechanical means such as sanding machines (either manual or electrical).

Here is a safe and fully effective method that Premium Door Stripping use to strip paint off stone window sills.

Paint Removal Methods

Manual scrubbing can be tedious, even if you are trying to eliminate emulsion paints.

For oil paints, it is even more laborious if you are using a steam stripping method, which will also take time.

Mechanical methods may cause significant stone damage, increasing the stone’s vulnerability to weather conditions, essentially losing the building’s architectural detail. The fastest, safest, and most effective method is using caustic soda.

Caustic Soda

Caustic soda is a combination of two processes. First, caustic is a general chemical substance that has the capability to dissolve or destroy other substances.

Soda, unlike the fizzy drink we all know, refers to a chemical substance, sometimes referred to as lye.

Caustic soda is a sodium hydroxide chemical presenting as a radiant white solid substance.

It is used to make soap, paper, and candles. It also removes paint. Caustic soda paint removal is ideal for stone, wood, and metals.

Its properties remove the paint layers with minimal effort, making it a solvent-based paint stripping agent.

How to Use Caustic Soda for Paint-Removal

  • Patch testing

You may consider carrying out a patch test to ensure the stone will not be damaged after caustic soda application. Some stone types are not as porous as others.

  • Preparation

You will require eye protection, a pair of gloves and warm water.

  • Application

Mix the solid caustic soda with warm water to create a fluid substance, then apply it to the window sills.

This method ensures even paint that has accumulated in layers over the years is removed.

How To Strip Paint Off Aluminium Bike Frame

There is attractiveness in raw and unfinished material that’s regularly hidden with unnecessary layers of paint.

Most people would prefer everything to be true to the material’s nature. Your aluminium bike frame is probably painted, and you are wondering how the material looks from a given point of view.

Well, worry no more because you will learn more about the process of stripping paint from metal by the end of this article. So, read on.

Most bikes are made of aluminium which is typically a lightweight and corrosion-free alloy.

Still, you may find out that the frame corrodes from time to time. However, the corrosion process may form an aluminium oxide that protects that material against further corrosion.

Top Things You Need to Consider

The essential thing you need to note is that you will void any existing warranty if you decide to remove paint from your bike. Also, the process is irreversible, and you may damage the bike to a great extent.

Moreover, some of the used chemicals are highly dangerous. You, therefore, have to undertake all the essential safety precautions.

Steps to Follow

First, look for the perfect paint removal chemical. Afterwards, apply it to the bike’s frame. It’s worth noting that most of these chemicals evaporate quickly.

So, you can wrap it in a plastic bag. This way, the painted frame will stay wet for an extended period, and in the process, you will decrease the amount of required chemical solution.

It would be helpful to consider buying a Premium Door Stripping chemical solution.

After roughly fifteen minutes, you can unwrap the bike frame to determine whether the paint is peeling off. In most cases, you will see the pain falling off the bike’s frame.

After removing paint from most parts, you may end up with a few parts that will remain stuck on the frame.

Most manufacturers use some type of filler to smoothen the joints. In this case, you can use sandpaper to eliminate the filler.

You can use different types of brushes and sanding papers to attain different types of aluminium finishes. In fact, it’s possible to polish the frame to acquire an extremely shiny look.

How to Remove Command Strips from Wall Without Peeling Paint

Command strips can be beneficial during wall decoration as they enable you to hang pictures and other objects without harming your wall. However, if not removed carefully, the can result in peeled paint, sticky patches with leftover residue and in some cases, cracks in the wall.How to Remove Command Strips from Wall Without Peeling Paint

At Premium Door Stripping we offer professional command strip removal services for you. The following are some of the ways you can remove command strips from your wall without peeling off the paint.

Stretching

Command strips function the way they do because of the level of cohesive and adhesive forces.

Some use the two-piece hook and loop system where one side holds to the wall and the other onto the hanging object.

To remove these command strips, you must first remove the hanging object to expose the command strip’s adhesive segment.

To do this, hold the lower part of the object and remove it from the strip in an ascending manner.

Once the adhesive part is exposed, hold the exposed section and gently stretch it in a similar path as the strip.

Heating

You can also use a heat gun to warm up the command strip before scrapping it off the wall. Hold the heat gun a few inches from the command strip while moving it from side to side for about 30 seconds.

Once the command strip turns warm, you can hold on to the pull tap and pull. If it’s pull tap is broken, use dental floss to disintegrate it from the wall.

Slide the dental floss under the strip and, in a back-and-forth movement, saw through the bottom of the strip to disintegrate is from the wall.

Varnish Removal

Another technique is using liquid or gel varnish remover to weaken the command strip adhesive.

First, brush the stripper on the wall to soften the adhesive. Using a paint scraper, scrape off the command strip before the chemical dries off.

It might leave your wall with a small stain that can easily be wiped off using a damp rag. It is advisable to use the manufacturer recommended method to rinse the remover if necessary.

How to Strip Paint From Plaster Walls

Painting plaster walls is a common way of adding colour and creativity to their designs.How to Strip Paint From Plaster Walls

There are plenty of ways to decorate a plaster wall, ranging from wallpapers to painting afresh to change the colour or renovate.

However, you must clean the plaster walls before you can refurbish or repaint them.

Like furniture stripping, removing old paint from your plaster walls is necessary to ensure the best results from repainting and other decorating work.

Stripping paint from a plaster wall can be relatively challenging as it has a porous surface. However, the process can be easier if you find the right method.

Methods of Stripping Paint from a Plaster Wall

Here are some of the methods of stripping paint from a plaster wall;

  • Paint Stripping Using Chemicals – Chemical stripping, often used with the experts at Premium Door Stripping, is one of the best methods of stripping paint from a plaster wall if the paint has not chipped or loosened on its own.

    You should be careful when applying these chemical strippers as they contain strong chemicals that may damage the surface if improperly used.

    Use a paintbrush to apply the stripper directly onto the surface and let it sit for as long as the manufacturer has instructed. The stripper will loosen the paint, making it easier to scrape using a putty knife or sandpaper.

  • Scraping – Scraping is the cheapest and easiest way to strip paint from a plaster wall. If the paint has loosened or started peeling off, you can use a scraper blade or a putty knife to remove the pieces.

    You can use sandpaper fitted with a rotary tool to strip the paint from small and unreachable surfaces. You should be careful when scraping to avoid gouging the wall.

    Additionally, you need to clean up the area once you are done stripping paint. To make cleaning easier, you can lay down a piece of material under your working spaces.

Provided you find the best method, stripping paint from a plaster wall should not be challenging.

The above methods will make it easier to strip paint whenever you need to repaint a plaster wall.

If you used a chemical stripper, ensure you use a neutralizer afterwards to prevent the chemicals from seeping and staining the wall.

Tips on How to Prevent Damp and Mould on Wooden Interior

Are you looking for ways to keep your wooden furniture secure? Well, failure to maintain the wooden interior makes them wear off over time.Tips on How to Prevent Damp and Mould on Wooden Interior

Mould, grime and dirt may accumulate and become hard to eliminate over the long run.

It would be unbearable to see your valuable wooden interior get destroyed in this manner, wouldn’t it? Now, how do you prevent damp and mould on your furniture? Keep on reading to find out!

Ensure Everything is Clean

Ensure the closets, basements, dresser drawers and any location where mould is likely to grow is as clean as possible.

Dirt particles offer a perfect habitat for mould to start growing provided the temperature and moisture are appropriate.

The greasy films like those on kitchen walls, on the other hand, comes with nutrients that facilitate mildew formation.

Now, to ensure your property is totally free of damp and mould, it is advisable to hire the services of Premium Door Stripping for specialised top-rated stripping and finishing services on various wooden items.

Eliminate Dampness

Since mould spores are readily available in the air, they may settle on your furniture if there is adequate moisture. A damp structure is typically due to moisture that condenses due to humid air that cools on the surfaces.

Most basements are always wet from the water that leaks via wall crevices. In this case, ensure the outside drainage is working appropriately. Should you require to perform some repairs on the walls, please use the right Paint Removal Tools, and then apply a coat of cement to prevent water leakage.

Improve the House’s Air Flow

As the room temperature drops, little moisture will remain in the room. Keep in mind that without a perfect airflow in your house, the excess moisture may stick onto the floors, windows and walls.

Therefore, you can improve the circulation by opening doors between rooms, open doors to the closets and move the furniture away from the walls. Also, allow fresh air to get into the room to prevent mould formation and lower moisture.

Prevent Overstuffing

Lastly, avoid overstuffing the kitchen cupboards and wardrobes. An overstuffed cabinet offers a perfect mould breeding ground as it lowers free air circulation.

6 Pro Tips For Painting Your Home Interior

Most of us have an idea of how to prepare for and paint our house interiors. 6 Pro Tips For Painting Your Home Interior

While it seems an easy task, having a perfect outcome needs professionalism. Below we have prepared pro tips to make your work easier, work like a pro and have a more attractive result.

1. Have the Right Requirements

Before doing anything, you must ensure you need everything the job needs. Choose the colours you want, sandpaper for scraping, a drop cloth, premium door stripping to strip paint off the door and all other requirements. Having everything helps your work go smoothly.

2. Prepare the Surface

The surfaces on which you are to paint need preparation for a perfect finish. Scrape off the old paint, patch and feel up the holes and dents on the walls. Even though it is the least interesting part of the job, it is imperative. Apply premium stripping in removing varnish from wood.

3. Prime the Surfaces

Applying a primer to new walls or dark painted surfaces before painting is as important as the paint itself. It improves paint adhesion while preventing stains from passing through. To hide the primes wall, tint the primer nearer to the finished colour.

4. Use Canvas Drop Cloths

While using plastic drop cloths is a cheaper option, going for canvas drop cloths is advisable. It lasts over a lifetime, and unlike plastic, it absorbs the dropped paint. They are easily folded and can fit around doors and corners.

5. Use Paint Grid and Extension Pole

Instead of going for a ladder use extension poles for your roller. Look for one with good grip. Metal threaded ends are a sure advantage. Use a paint grid to deal with excess paint from the roller. It is easy and neat

6. Don’t Wash Your brushes or Rollers

If you don’t finish the job in a day avoid washing the brushes for overnight storage. Wrap them up in plastic bags or tin foil and put them in a refrigerator. It prevents the paint from drying up. Let them warm up for around thirty minutes before using them the following day.

How To Remove Water Stains From Wooden Furniture

Thinking of how to replace your coffee table as a result of water stains isn’t advisable. This post will enlighten you on the expert tips to help you remove the water rings with daily household products.How To Remove Water Stains From Wooden Furniture

Here is how;

Spread Some Mayonnaise

Are you surprised that mayonnaise is of help in such a situation? You probably have plenty of it in your fridge. Dab mayonnaise onto the stain using a paper towel. Allow it to sit either overnight or for a few hours. The paper towel should remain on top all this time. The following morning, using a clean cloth, wipe away the mayo. Finalize this by polishing it with vinegar.

Combine Olive Oil and Vinegar

Using a small bowl, mix equal proportions of olive oil and vinegar. Using a piece of cloth, apply the mixture to the stain. Continue wiping towards the wood grain until you are sure that the stain is erased. The olive oil, in this case, is furniture polish, while vinegar will clear the stain. You can use the sum up by wiping the area clean. Ensure you are using a dry, clean cloth.

Use an Iron

Lay a clean cloth on the water stain. Preferably, a cotton cloth without prints. This is advisable to avoid the transfer of any patterns. Ensure the iron is preheated to a low temperature. Set the iron on the cloth briefly over the water stain. In case the stain is not wiped out at the first attempt, repeat the same process until the stain is cleared. It is important to note that this method is ideal for damp stains.

Plug in A Hairdryer

The method requires you to plug in the dryer and ensure it is turned to its highest setting. Ensure the hairdryer is focused on the stain. In this position, maintain your grip until the stain disappears. Unplug the dryer and polish your table using furniture oil. Cleaning wood after paint stripping is highly recommended to maintain its quality. Olive oil can also be of help in this case. The method is suitable for freshwater stains.