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Unfortunately, winter will soon be upon us. The clocks have already changed and it is only a matter of time before we are forced to endure inclement weather conditions. Unfortunately, the same applies to any outdoor wooden furniture that we may possess. If not cared for properly, even the most beautiful pieces can quickly succumb to the harsh elements. This is why it is important to know some of the most effective care techniques. Let’s take a more in-depth look at three suggestions.

Sealing Porous Wood

One of the major culprits associated with decay and damage involves wood that has been exposed to moisture due to its natural porosity (imagine firewood that remains outside over the winter). This can result in warping, discolouration and splitting. It is therefore important that the surface is protected from such damages.

Before a sealant is applied, it is a good idea to remove any loose paint or other substances that could serve to inhibit the effectiveness of the sealant. The same holds true for any exterior windows and doors. If you have concerns about performing such task, it is always wise to contact our premium door stripping experts.

Avoid Coverings

Many consumers believe that covering their wooden furniture with tarps or other non-porous materials will keep them protected from the elements. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Substances such as plastic will actually cause moisture to remain trapped within. This can lead to mould growth and warping. It is much better to remove any furniture and store it within a shed or a garage.

Pressure Washing and Painting

Another popular method involves pressure washing the wood in order to remove any dirt or grime. Once the furniture has properly dried, it can be painted in order to provide a layer of protection. However, keep in mind that you should only use paint formulations that have been designed for exterior environments. There may also be times when more porous woods (such as oak or maple) will require more than one coat.

There is simply no reason why you should be forced to sacrifice your wooden furniture simply because old man winter is knocking at the door. The three methods above will provide superior results within a short period of time. If you require additional advice or should your items need to be stripped, please contact one of our representatives at your convenience.

One of the most appealing aspects associated with wooden outdoor furniture is that each piece is inherently different. You can choose from different grains, colours and patterns. This rather personalised quality has always been a major selling point. However, you might not be aware that certain types of wood are better suited for the outdoors than others. Let’s take a quick look at three varieties that will provide years of beauty while requiring only minor upkeep.

Cypress

One interesting quality of cypress is that it contains chemicals that can protect against rot and insects. It is also unique in the fact that cypress will not normally require any type of sealant (such as a weatherproof stain). So, its natural beauty will always shine through. It is still wise to apply a thin coat of transparent oil from time to time to preserve its lustre.

Cedar

Cedar is a well-known option for natural wood and it is often used when constructing larger structures such as patio furniture and garden benches. The resins contained within its interior are almost completely waterproof and this wood is also very lightweight. So, moving your wooden garden furniture from one location to another will normally not present an issue.

Cedar also takes very well to most paints and stains. While not many consumers wish to paint natural cedar, it is still an important point to mention. If your house happens to contain cedar doors or windows, contact our door stripping services to restore their natural beauty.

Acacia

Acacia is a final choice to keep in mind; particularly if you are concerned about environmental sustainability. This is one of the most prolific types of wood on the planet, so there are few issues in regards to deforestation. This is also the same reason why acacia has been used to construct boats since ancient times.

Acacia is a lightweight wood and it is very resilient to the elements. Similar to cedar, it can be stained or painted if desired. It is still a good idea to apply a sealant at the very minimum, as this wood has been known to discolour if exposed to moisture over time.

These are three excellent choices if you have been hoping to encounter durable wooden outdoor furniture for your garden. They are also relatively cheap when compared to other variants such as mahogany; a notable benefit if you are on a budget.

Professional paint stripping represents both an art form and a science. While there are many modern methods which will be employed, the fact of the matter is that real-world experience will ensure quality results. Have you been searching for reliable and dependable premium door stripping services? If so, there are several factors to take into account. What defines an expert firm and what qualities should you always determine from the very beginning?

Flexible Options

Some stripping firms will only deal with specific items (such as outdoor furniture or decks). Unfortunately, this does not provide the sense of malleability that you might require. Furthermore, this is often a sign that the firm in question does not possess a great deal of experience.

An Attention to Detail

Paint stripping is a highly precise procedure. Some pieces will need to be dealt with by hand while others might require more intensive processes such as caustic soda baths. The main takeaway point here is that the technicians must have an eye for detail. Stripping involves much more than the mechanical removal of paints, stains or dirt.

It necessitates a delicate hand as well as an appreciation for the tools that need to be used. The underlying wood could otherwise be severely damaged; resulting in costly repairs. Always look for a firm that is able to provide testimonials from previous customers. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to determine what you can expect.

An Understanding of the Different Types of Woods

Certain woods such as mahogany are known for their hardness and density. Others including cedar are rather soft and delicate. It should therefore be obvious that the stripping expert needs to possess an in-depth knowledge of how each wood should be addressed. This also might dictate which tools or chemicals should be used in order to achieve the best results. Once again, such a talent tends to be amalgamated over time. 

It is just as critical to determine the transparency of the expert firm in question. How easy is it to contact a representative? Are they willing to provide you with a no-obligation online quotation? What other types of stripping services to they offer? How long have they been in business? Obtaining a worthwhile stripping professional will take a bit of research and yet, such efforts will make all of the difference in the world when referring to the final results.

While furniture will often be passed down from generation to generation, there are some pieces that have truly withstood the test of time. Let’s look at five examples of ancient furniture that still exist today.

1. A 400-Year-Old Bed

It is rumoured that a bed within the United Kingdom bed has accommodated 15 generations of sleepers. Not only has it retained its initial elegance, but experts believe that it was originally built in the latter half of the 16th century.

2. The Chair of St. Augustine

This is another example of a well-preserved piece of furniture. The Chair of St. Augustine dates as far back as the 13th century and while not currently in use, it is an excellent example of timeless craftsmanship.

3. Egyptian Table

As Egypt was located primarily within a desert environment, there was scant wood available to make furniture. This is why such pieces were reserved for royalty ans similarly powerful figures. Still, there are examples of tables which can be traced back to at least 2,000 BCE. These pieces are normally found within tombs that were not disturbed by grave robbers.

4. Turkish Treasures

In the city of Gordion (near present-day Ankara in Turkey), archaeologists discovered a veritable treasure trove of ancient furniture. Many of these tables and chairs are thought to date back for more than 2,700 years. One of the reasons why they were preserved is associated with the relatively dry climate and the fact that they remained buried for millennia without being disturbed. In fact, some of these pieces have been associated with the legendary King Midas.

5. The Door to Westminster Abbey

This famous door is thought to be slightly over 950 years old. What is even more impressive is that this wooden artefact is still in use today. This door has enjoyed a long and sometimes dark history. It was rumoured that strange fragments fastened to its front were actually flayed human skin. Science later proved that they were merely segments of cowhide.

Are you hoping to discover the history of your home? Do you want to restore any associated wooden items to their former glory? If so, please contact Premium Door Stripping to learn more about our restoration processes. You could very well be surprised at what lies beneath copious layers of paint and varnish!

Restoring furniture can be a challenging project and yet, it is often well worth the effort. Older pieces will naturally suffer wear and tear over time. Hand rests, legs and similar support structures can become damaged and need to be replaced. The real question involves the types of wood which are the most appropriate as well as the benefits associated with each. Let’s take a look at three popular choices.

White Ash

White ash has been used for centuries to create household items such as doors, windows and furniture. This primarily arises from the fact that it is commonly found within forests. Another advantage is that it is quite a soft material (ranked as “4” on a hardness scale of 1 to 5). It is therefore very easy to work with and white ash can be shaped into nearly any dimension imaginable.

Beech

As beech is not a very porous wood, it is often used when elements such as patio furniture and doors will be exposed to the elements. Beech also exhibits a subdued grain, so flat pieces appear rather clean and uniform. This wood is resilient if cared for properly and it can last for decades or longer.

Mahogany

Mahogany has been highly valued within the woodworking industry for decades, and for good reason. It is quite a hard material, so it can resist situations that might cause software woods to wear or splinter. The appearance of mahogany is also very attractive; displaying a deep reddish-brown hue. The wood can easily be stained and a single coat of lacquer will protect it from damage over time. The only potential drawback is that this wood is slightly more expensive; a small price to pay if you are restoring a valuable piece of furniture.

Determining the Type of Existing Wood

It is always wise to try and match the replacement wood with existing materials. There are many online resources which will provide imagery so that you can make an accurate comparison. However, what if the door or furniture is painted? In this case, it will likely need to first be stripped without sacrificing the materials underneath. You should therefore choose a professional door stripping service in order to ensure that the quality is never sacrificed. These technicians will also be able to shed some light on the type of wood that needs to be used; saving you time and effort in the long run.

Wooden furniture offers a bespoke and organic appeal that would not be possible with other materials such as composites or metals. However, there is a slight trade-off here. Wood can become stained, worn or otherwise dirty over time. If not cleaned properly, even the most attractive piece of furniture will soon lose its visual lustre. What steps can be taken to tackle even the most challenging issues and are there any expert tips to follow during the process? If you hope to restore your furniture to its former glory, this article will come in quite handy.

Basic Preparation and Cleaning

Before the physical cleaning process begins, you will always need to remove any surface dust and debris. Use a standard vacuum cleaner with the appropriate attachment to take care of any outwardly visible materials. Then, procure a damp cloth and a bucket of warm water. While soap can be added, many professionals recommend that you add a small amount of white vinegar (approximately one cup for every two gallons of water). The vinegar will help to remove any ground-in dirt or stains while not negatively affecting the wood. However, be conservative with the amount of water utilised. Too much can result in pooling and discolourations.

Removing Old Paint

One of the problems associated with very old furniture and doors is that they may be coated with a number of paint layers. Not only does this often mask the beauty of the piece, but it can also hide intricate details such as hand-carved decorative elements. Removing this paint can be very challenging if you hope to avoid damaging the underlying wood. This is when utilising the services provided by Premium Door Stripping can prove to represent an invaluable option. These experts can address many items such as doors, furniture, fireplaces, window sashes, and benches. Jobs will be completed in a timely fashion and the associated prices are quite reasonable.

When to Leave it to the Professionals

There are intances when cleaning furniture can be accomplished with nothing more than a bit of elbow grease. However, older pieces and those coated with paint can be very difficult to address. If you are worried that you might damage the wood underneath, it is always best to consult with industry experts. They will be able to quickly determine the course of action and your beautiful furniture can be completely transformed in no time at all.

The simplest way of rejuvenating a tired surface is by putting a fresh coat of paint. However, all new paint eventually becomes old paint. Whether it’ll crack and blister or form an even blanket of pigments and binders, it’ll need to be removed using the right method. Here are some of the common mistakes people make when paint stripping:

– Not Using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

You should never strip paint on a house without using the necessary PPE. You can end up getting something toxic under your skin, down your throat or in your eyes, which can be harmful to your health. You should wear clear wraparound safety glasses for guarding against flying debris, dust and splashes. Wear a long-sleeve shirt and an old trouser or disposable coveralls to protect your skin.

If you are using chemical strippers, you should wear black butyl or green nitrile rubber gloves. For an indoor job with paint strippers, use a respirator that has a chemical cartridge. Additionally, put on disposable booties and contain dirt as well as dust by taking them off when you leaving the work area.

– Aggressive Scraping

One of the ways of paint stripping is using a quality scraper. However, that does not mean approaching the task with unnecessary aggression as this can end up damaging the materials beneath. It is largely inevitable that you’re going to need a scraper to use at some point, but that does not mean that you have to be overly excited and take things too far with the vicious hacking.

– Mixing Chemicals

Another mistake that you should never make around your house is mixing any quantities of two chemicals together because it’s the perfect recipe method of releasing toxic gases and vapours that can be dangerous and life-threatening. Even if the 2 chemicals in questions appear to be safe and familiar to you, this doesn’t mean that they won’t react catastrophically when you combine them.

-The Wrong Sandpaper

When you are stripping paint and using the wrong sandpaper, it can result in one of the following outcomes:

• If the grain happens to be too coarse, it can end up damaging the materials beneath.
• If the grain you are using is too fine, it will not work, or it will make your job more difficult than it’s supposed to be.

Therefore, instead of just randomly choosing any sandpaper, you should know what you need before using it.

– Not Asking the Experts

Given the fact that paint stripping can be a difficult, time-consuming and even a dangerous job, it is always advisable that you talk to professionals before going ahead. The reason for this is that a team of professionals will get the paint stripping job done quicker, better and even more safely than you. Moreover, the fact that you will not have to buy any personal protective equipment or tools for paint stripping means that you will end up saving money in the process. Furthermore, since the quotations are always available 100 per cent free of charge, there is really no reason why you should not find out.