Wood decor has devotees for good reason as it adds character and warmth to the home. When selecting, repairing and refinishing these keepsakes, it helps to have some tricks of the trade.
Those searching for quality furniture should be careful, says author and craftsman Bruce Johnson. “Try not to drag home a painted piece. Getting the paint off of wood can be a very tedious process that requires a lot of sanding.”
People often paint pieces to hide defects like stains, so it’s easier to find an item with an original finish that you can repaint.
Wood accents can be repurposed like the vintage crates Johnson made into bookshelves or the adjustable stools that accompanied pianos and organs. After treating them with a coat of wax, he turns the old stools into plant stands.
For furniture mishaps, Johnson has some advice like doing nothing right away for freshly spilled candle wax because acting too soon makes it worse. Instead, grab an ice pack or some ice cubes to make it brittle enough to remove with a credit card. Buff out any residue with a soft cloth and ordinary lemon oil.
Candle wax can actually come in handy for drawers that stick. When you rub an old candle on the runners, it acts as a lubricant to make them slide easier.
For scratches, Johnson, who is also a DIY wood restoration expert for Minwax, says wood stain markers that come in several colors offer coverage. “Just a dab is all you need for touch-ups,” he says.
If you have a hole in your table, you can fill it with wood putty in a similar shade that can be applied with the top of a screwdriver or the edge of your finger.
Black rings caused by moisture that got into the wood, like the fluid from a flower pot, can be bad news. They’re almost always permanent and there’s no easy way to get rid of them without sanding off the finish and bleaching them out.
On the other hand, white rings come from moisture trapped on the top layer of the finish. “Now you’ve got a fighting chance,” says Johnson. “You can do nothing and see if they evaporate on their own, or you can take a hair dryer at a very low setting back and forth to evaporate that moisture.” Older rings can be buffed out with super fine steel wool and and a product like Minwax Wipe-On Poly oil.
When selecting finishes and stains, there are considerations to make beforehand. “If you need a piece to dry quickly or if fumes are an issue, water-based products are best,” he says.
For traditionalists, Johnson suggests oil-based varieties. “You will get more of an antique look and more depth,” he says. “They usually take overnight to dry and there will be fumes, so you need to have good ventilation or be working outside.”
When it comes to proper care, prevention goes a long way. “The simple use of coasters for that cup of coffee or glass of wine, and trivets for hot dishes can keep you from many of the pitfalls of wood stains,” says Johnson. “It’s up to us to keep wood looking good. These pieces work wonders so we won’t need all these remedies.”
Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. You can reach her at jeaninematlow@earthlink.net.
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