Pine furniture is a wonderfully light wood that can brighten any room however it does have a major disadvantage in being a soft wood. This means that it can be prone to damage from scratches that can damage both the finish and the wood underneath. Another form of damage is sun damage causing the finish to fade over time. With the right treatment however you can restore your pine furniture to its former glory in such a way that it will look as good as new and you'll be able to use it for many years to come.
Before starting your restoration project make sure you have a clear work area in which to operate and that none of the liquids or materials you will use are likely to damage other home furnishings such as carpets or other items of furniture. Once you are happy that the work environment is safe then you're good to proceed and can start by using a sander to remove the existing finish on the furniture. If you don't have a sander available then you can accomplish the same result manually with sand paper or use a chemical stripper however make sure it's safe to be used on pine wood before you begin. Always make sure you're wearing the appropriate safety equipment such as sturdy rubber gloves and eye goggles and ideally old clothes in case they come into contact with any materials.
Once you've stripped the old finish from the furniture clear away any excess dust with a small brush and then treat with a clear wood preserver. Allow this to dry and possibly retreat if recommended by the manufacturer. After the treatment is complete you can then apply the stain to the pine furniture or paint as desired although bear in mind that pine is a beautiful wood with a light shade and distinctive markings and painting will hide these. Allow the stain to dry and if necessary apply the stain again to achieve the required shade of finish. Once completed return the furniture to the desired location and continue to enjoy it for many more years ahead.
For more information on all types of pine bedroom furniture and other articles related to pine furniture in your home visit our website at http://www.pinebedsidetables.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Best
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Friday, 13 May 2011
Innovative Ideas for Restoring a Wooden Chair
An old wooden chair can be restored in a number of ways. One can use it various innovative ways with just a bit of creativity and intelligence. Mentioned below are few creative ideas to restore your old wooden chair. Check them out:
Paint
You can easily render an old wood chair new by painting it. Apply a fresh coat of a color that complements the over all decor of the house and you will be ready with an interesting piece of furniture for your room. With two or three colors together, you can easily personalize an old wood chair into a fresh new article.
Stencils
Another idea to decorate an old wooden chair is by stenciling some designs onto it. In fact, one can design a wonderful chair for children's room by stenciling the name of the kids onto it. There are immense ways to decorate a chair using stencils.
Decoupage
Decoupage refers to the technique of pasting cutouts to create a certain design pattern onto a surface and it can be an artistic way to decorate a wood chair. For this all you need is your favorite cutouts and a glue stick.
Cushions
Cushions not only make a chair comfortable but also add a dash of sophistication and flare to the wooden chair. Though, it can be a little pain to search for chair cushions thus, it is best to get them stitched or handcrafted as per the chair's measurements.
Throw Pillow
Throw pillows again, can be a great idea for enhancing the appeal of an old discarded wooden chair. Not only would it provide a fresh new look to the chair, but would make it more comfortable as well.
Using a Throw
Throw refers to a drape which can be placed at the back of a chair. It provides a warm homey feel and thus can be used for restoring a wood chair.
To know how to refinish a wooden antique chair, click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanchita_Kapoor
Paint
You can easily render an old wood chair new by painting it. Apply a fresh coat of a color that complements the over all decor of the house and you will be ready with an interesting piece of furniture for your room. With two or three colors together, you can easily personalize an old wood chair into a fresh new article.
Stencils
Another idea to decorate an old wooden chair is by stenciling some designs onto it. In fact, one can design a wonderful chair for children's room by stenciling the name of the kids onto it. There are immense ways to decorate a chair using stencils.
Decoupage
Decoupage refers to the technique of pasting cutouts to create a certain design pattern onto a surface and it can be an artistic way to decorate a wood chair. For this all you need is your favorite cutouts and a glue stick.
Cushions
Cushions not only make a chair comfortable but also add a dash of sophistication and flare to the wooden chair. Though, it can be a little pain to search for chair cushions thus, it is best to get them stitched or handcrafted as per the chair's measurements.
Throw Pillow
Throw pillows again, can be a great idea for enhancing the appeal of an old discarded wooden chair. Not only would it provide a fresh new look to the chair, but would make it more comfortable as well.
Using a Throw
Throw refers to a drape which can be placed at the back of a chair. It provides a warm homey feel and thus can be used for restoring a wood chair.
To know how to refinish a wooden antique chair, click here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanchita_Kapoor
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Leather Couch Restoration - Restore Your Old Couch To Original Condition
All leather furniture, regardless of how well it is cared for, will experience drying and fading over time, resulting in its looking old and unattractive. However, when one has a thorough understanding of the proper technique, such furniture can be restored to look almost new again. Leather couch restoration is not as difficult as one may initially think, and with a little time and effort to remove grime and dirt, and properly condition the leather, the furniture can look attractive and inviting. Those who enjoy having leather furniture will find that maintaining it properly is well worth the effort.
Getting Started
Using a vacuum cleaner with a gentle brush is a good way to begin, as this is an effective method for removing dirt and dust before beginning the restoration process. The surface of the leather should then be cleaned and it is essential to purchase a cleaner that is specifically made for use on leather furniture.
A few drops of the leather solution should be added to a bucket of distilled water and the solution should be mixed until a layer of suds form. A soft rag should be used, and the surface of the leather couch gently cleaned. Clean water and a separate rag should be used to remove the cleaning residue and the couch must then be allowed to dry completely.
After the couch is entirely dry, a soft rag can be used to buff luster back into its surface. Once this task is completed, the dry leather must be moisturized with a conditioner. Once again, the product used should be one specifically made for leather furniture. Creams are by far the simplest leather moisturizers to apply and only a small amount of the cream is needed to achieve the desired result. Only a cloth made from cotton should be used, and the moisturizer should be rubbed into one small area of the couch at a time until it is completely absorbed. The couch must not be used for a period of two hours after the conditioner is applied.
Restoring Color
If the leather conditioner does not result in bringing the color and luster back to the leather couch, a precision-matched leather dye can also be applied. To ensure the proper dye is selected, one can send a tiny factory swatch of the appropriate color to a leather-restoration manufacturer that makes leather dyes. The company will match the color precisely and then provide a liquid solution that ideally matches the necessary color. It is essential that one closely follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the dye to the couch.
Leather Seam Repair
Seam repair for a leather couch can be a difficult task, but by following a few basic tips the process can be simplified. If the large stitching commonly seen with leather couches rips, a leather sewing machine will be necessary to repair the damage. Hand repair is possible for small seam rips, but this task must be undertaken carefully. The most essential thing one must keep in mind when restoring leather seams is to allow adequate time to complete the task properly. Rushing through the job can result in accidentally tearing the leather and making it necessary to replace the entire section.
The leather upholstery must first be removed from the seat. A seam ripper may prove helpful in this situation; however, the goal should be to take out as few seams as possible.
The pieces should be marked as they are removed from the cushions to make it easy to recall which seam goes where. The pieces should be held in place with masking tape and then sewn together using polyester thread, as cotton thread offers little longevity. The result of a leather couch restoration project will be a piece of furniture of which the homeowner can be proud. In addition, the restored couch will add beauty and flair to any room in which it is placed.
Leather couch restoration is a great way to bring your old couches and sofa's looking as good as new. CLICK HERE for more information on how to restore your old leather furniture.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Avenell
Getting Started
Using a vacuum cleaner with a gentle brush is a good way to begin, as this is an effective method for removing dirt and dust before beginning the restoration process. The surface of the leather should then be cleaned and it is essential to purchase a cleaner that is specifically made for use on leather furniture.
A few drops of the leather solution should be added to a bucket of distilled water and the solution should be mixed until a layer of suds form. A soft rag should be used, and the surface of the leather couch gently cleaned. Clean water and a separate rag should be used to remove the cleaning residue and the couch must then be allowed to dry completely.
After the couch is entirely dry, a soft rag can be used to buff luster back into its surface. Once this task is completed, the dry leather must be moisturized with a conditioner. Once again, the product used should be one specifically made for leather furniture. Creams are by far the simplest leather moisturizers to apply and only a small amount of the cream is needed to achieve the desired result. Only a cloth made from cotton should be used, and the moisturizer should be rubbed into one small area of the couch at a time until it is completely absorbed. The couch must not be used for a period of two hours after the conditioner is applied.
Restoring Color
If the leather conditioner does not result in bringing the color and luster back to the leather couch, a precision-matched leather dye can also be applied. To ensure the proper dye is selected, one can send a tiny factory swatch of the appropriate color to a leather-restoration manufacturer that makes leather dyes. The company will match the color precisely and then provide a liquid solution that ideally matches the necessary color. It is essential that one closely follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the dye to the couch.
Leather Seam Repair
Seam repair for a leather couch can be a difficult task, but by following a few basic tips the process can be simplified. If the large stitching commonly seen with leather couches rips, a leather sewing machine will be necessary to repair the damage. Hand repair is possible for small seam rips, but this task must be undertaken carefully. The most essential thing one must keep in mind when restoring leather seams is to allow adequate time to complete the task properly. Rushing through the job can result in accidentally tearing the leather and making it necessary to replace the entire section.
The leather upholstery must first be removed from the seat. A seam ripper may prove helpful in this situation; however, the goal should be to take out as few seams as possible.
The pieces should be marked as they are removed from the cushions to make it easy to recall which seam goes where. The pieces should be held in place with masking tape and then sewn together using polyester thread, as cotton thread offers little longevity. The result of a leather couch restoration project will be a piece of furniture of which the homeowner can be proud. In addition, the restored couch will add beauty and flair to any room in which it is placed.
Leather couch restoration is a great way to bring your old couches and sofa's looking as good as new. CLICK HERE for more information on how to restore your old leather furniture.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Avenell
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
5 Simple Ways to Restore Your Old Wicker Cane Furniture
How good it feels to own something that has been passed down from generations and is antique in every sense? Sounds crazy, but wicker furniture is no less antique than paintings and ornaments.
However, as we know antique furniture might be bit damaged as well. It might require some repairing and reviving to get along better. Here are some simple ways to restore old conservatory furniture made from cane:
Cane furniture needs cleaning and dusting every day. It cannot bear any extreme climate and always requires a constant watch for fungus and mildews. By daily maintenance, any cane can last really for long time. It is a good idea to keep it out of direct sunlight, use cushions on the wicker weaves and if you have pets around, just use extra protective gear on your furniture.
Restoration methods
First using a medium intensity blower, blow off the dust. Else, vacuum in the dust. Use dry cloth to wipe of any leftover dirt and dust.
Take a damp cloth soaked in mild detergent. Add a teaspoon of bleach for one liter of the cleaning solution. The cloth should not be soaking wet. This cleaning solution will remove stains and the bleach will kill mildew or fungus that might have been growing on the cane.
If the strands are broken, the only way to get them restored is to weave them. It might sound a terrible idea, but don't worry. You can do it yourself or else give it to a furniture store where they will restore it completely.
However, to do it by yourself buy strands, which match the furniture color, then soak them in warm water for a maximum of 20 minutes to make them flexible for weaving. Pat dry and begin weaving. Let it dry in a shady place for few days before you use it.
If the strands are sagging, apply warm and damp cloth to the underside of the furniture and let them dry on their own. After complete drying (2 days), the strands will tighten and be good as new.
For chipped off and split cane portions, use wood glue and patch of thin cane. Glue them and level off with sand paper. You can use sawdust fillers or any filler for larger gaps and then patch them over.
Final step in restoration would be to polish. Use of excessive polish can fade the furniture. To darken the wicker, use good quality stains. Let it dry completely before use. This might take 4 to 5 days. Using it before that time would lead to the wicker cracking and splitting under human weight. The drying process gives the wicker and cane the strength.
These are the simple ways to revive your wicker furniture.
For more information on cane furniture, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the rattan furniture!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Preston_Romeo
However, as we know antique furniture might be bit damaged as well. It might require some repairing and reviving to get along better. Here are some simple ways to restore old conservatory furniture made from cane:
Cane furniture needs cleaning and dusting every day. It cannot bear any extreme climate and always requires a constant watch for fungus and mildews. By daily maintenance, any cane can last really for long time. It is a good idea to keep it out of direct sunlight, use cushions on the wicker weaves and if you have pets around, just use extra protective gear on your furniture.
Restoration methods
First using a medium intensity blower, blow off the dust. Else, vacuum in the dust. Use dry cloth to wipe of any leftover dirt and dust.
Take a damp cloth soaked in mild detergent. Add a teaspoon of bleach for one liter of the cleaning solution. The cloth should not be soaking wet. This cleaning solution will remove stains and the bleach will kill mildew or fungus that might have been growing on the cane.
If the strands are broken, the only way to get them restored is to weave them. It might sound a terrible idea, but don't worry. You can do it yourself or else give it to a furniture store where they will restore it completely.
However, to do it by yourself buy strands, which match the furniture color, then soak them in warm water for a maximum of 20 minutes to make them flexible for weaving. Pat dry and begin weaving. Let it dry in a shady place for few days before you use it.
If the strands are sagging, apply warm and damp cloth to the underside of the furniture and let them dry on their own. After complete drying (2 days), the strands will tighten and be good as new.
For chipped off and split cane portions, use wood glue and patch of thin cane. Glue them and level off with sand paper. You can use sawdust fillers or any filler for larger gaps and then patch them over.
Final step in restoration would be to polish. Use of excessive polish can fade the furniture. To darken the wicker, use good quality stains. Let it dry completely before use. This might take 4 to 5 days. Using it before that time would lead to the wicker cracking and splitting under human weight. The drying process gives the wicker and cane the strength.
These are the simple ways to revive your wicker furniture.
For more information on cane furniture, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the rattan furniture!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Preston_Romeo
Monday, 9 May 2011
Antique Oak Furniture - Tips on Restoration
The restoring or refinishing of antique oak furniture can be a real challenging task if you're not equipped with some vital information. The first thing you should know that before you start changing the original appearance of an antique that it may diminish its value from the point of view of a collector. Collectors place a higher value on an antique if its appearance is completely unchanged. This is not to say that the piece can't be "cleaned up" but they are concerned with its originality.
Keep in mind that when you decide to restore a piece of antique furniture, you're going to be putting a considerable amount of time and effort into it. Another thing to consider is that this process will not necessarily be inexpensive. Many people have started a project like this only to find that the cost and the amount of time it took wasn't really worth it.
In the case where you have a piece of antique oak furniture that has been badly damaged due to being exposed to the elements, it might be the perfect project to restore anyway. Restoring this particular piece could greatly improve its appearance and add a thing of beauty to your home.
There are a couple of different ways that you can accomplish the task of restoring your piece. The first would be to bring it to an antique restoration professional. Kind in mind that this will not be an inexpensive feat. It takes a lot of time and effort and the cost will be much more than if you do it yourself.
Restoring the piece yourself can actually be fun if you keep the mindset of lots of patience and how slow the process will be. Inspect the piece beforehand and decide if any particular part is so badly damaged that it will have to be replaced. If not, prepare yourself with the necessary tools to get the job done. You will need to purchase at least a can of paint and varnish stripper. These strippers can actually damage the wood if you leave them on too long. Be sure that you follow the instructions very carefully.
After completely removing all the old varnish, you will have to buy various grits of sandpaper. The use of orbital sanders on oak will work to some degree as long as you are very careful not to go too far where it leaves heavy sanding marks. Also you can over-sand a piece removing any details that were originally meant to be there. Consult your local home fix-it store for details on what type of stain and varnish to use.
Keep in mind that if your piece has a large amount of ornate or carved surfaces that this will add a lot of extra time to complete the project. Realize that the project could take up to several months because of the intricacy of the detail. We suggest that when in doubt, or if you have any questions to consult a restoration professional and/or an antique oak furniture appraisal specialist.
This article was authored by Wally Haroldson. If you're looking for more jam-packed information, please visit my blog Antique Oak Furniture and/or Antique Dining Chairs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wally_Haroldson
Keep in mind that when you decide to restore a piece of antique furniture, you're going to be putting a considerable amount of time and effort into it. Another thing to consider is that this process will not necessarily be inexpensive. Many people have started a project like this only to find that the cost and the amount of time it took wasn't really worth it.
In the case where you have a piece of antique oak furniture that has been badly damaged due to being exposed to the elements, it might be the perfect project to restore anyway. Restoring this particular piece could greatly improve its appearance and add a thing of beauty to your home.
There are a couple of different ways that you can accomplish the task of restoring your piece. The first would be to bring it to an antique restoration professional. Kind in mind that this will not be an inexpensive feat. It takes a lot of time and effort and the cost will be much more than if you do it yourself.
Restoring the piece yourself can actually be fun if you keep the mindset of lots of patience and how slow the process will be. Inspect the piece beforehand and decide if any particular part is so badly damaged that it will have to be replaced. If not, prepare yourself with the necessary tools to get the job done. You will need to purchase at least a can of paint and varnish stripper. These strippers can actually damage the wood if you leave them on too long. Be sure that you follow the instructions very carefully.
After completely removing all the old varnish, you will have to buy various grits of sandpaper. The use of orbital sanders on oak will work to some degree as long as you are very careful not to go too far where it leaves heavy sanding marks. Also you can over-sand a piece removing any details that were originally meant to be there. Consult your local home fix-it store for details on what type of stain and varnish to use.
Keep in mind that if your piece has a large amount of ornate or carved surfaces that this will add a lot of extra time to complete the project. Realize that the project could take up to several months because of the intricacy of the detail. We suggest that when in doubt, or if you have any questions to consult a restoration professional and/or an antique oak furniture appraisal specialist.
This article was authored by Wally Haroldson. If you're looking for more jam-packed information, please visit my blog Antique Oak Furniture and/or Antique Dining Chairs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wally_Haroldson
Saturday, 7 May 2011
How to Restore Antique Chairs
Antique chairs are a wonderful part of our past that can easily be fit into our modern homes. These chairs can usually be found at an auction or even a yard sale for hardly anything and with a little work can be brought back into a lovely piece of furniture. A beautiful wooden antique chair is a great way to bring part of the past into your home or office. You can purchase one for a very reasonable price and transform it into a gleaming spectacle.
Restoring your chair
Restoring your chair into what it once was will take some work, but can be done with little difficulty. All you have to do is follow a few steps and you will soon have a piece of furniture that you can be proud of. Before beginning any project, make sure that you are in a well ventilated area. The stripper and varnish that will be used can be toxic if inhaled in a closed in area.
The first thing that you will want to do is strip all of the old paint or stain that has been applied to the chair over the years. You can buy an easy to use stripper from any home improvement store. This may come in a kit with every tool you need to get the job done, or you can buy the tools individually.
After you have stripped down as much of the paint as you can then you will need to sand the entire surface of the chair. This is the most time consuming and painstaking process. The important thing is that you cover every inch of the chair with fine grade sandpaper. Once you have finished stripping and sanding you will be able to begin your transformation. This is the part where you can choose paint, stain, and the type of finish that you want. Make sure that whatever you choose will fit in with your decor.
When you are finished you will have the chair you wanted at a fraction of the price, and the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself.
Super easy hints, tips and tricks on how to restore antique chairs chop-chop. All you need to know and more now available on [http://antiquesfurniturechairs.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_James
Restoring your chair
Restoring your chair into what it once was will take some work, but can be done with little difficulty. All you have to do is follow a few steps and you will soon have a piece of furniture that you can be proud of. Before beginning any project, make sure that you are in a well ventilated area. The stripper and varnish that will be used can be toxic if inhaled in a closed in area.
The first thing that you will want to do is strip all of the old paint or stain that has been applied to the chair over the years. You can buy an easy to use stripper from any home improvement store. This may come in a kit with every tool you need to get the job done, or you can buy the tools individually.
After you have stripped down as much of the paint as you can then you will need to sand the entire surface of the chair. This is the most time consuming and painstaking process. The important thing is that you cover every inch of the chair with fine grade sandpaper. Once you have finished stripping and sanding you will be able to begin your transformation. This is the part where you can choose paint, stain, and the type of finish that you want. Make sure that whatever you choose will fit in with your decor.
When you are finished you will have the chair you wanted at a fraction of the price, and the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself.
Super easy hints, tips and tricks on how to restore antique chairs chop-chop. All you need to know and more now available on [http://antiquesfurniturechairs.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_James
Monday, 14 June 2010
China
Washing
Washing the piece in warm water and a good washing-up-liquid may be sufficient. If it is made of metal or wood as well as china, don't immerse it in water but wipe the china parts with a cloth wrung out in warm water and detergent, and 'rinse' them with a clothwrung out in warm water alone.
The dirt may be rather stubborn so you may need to scrub gently along the cracks with an old toothbrush, using neat washing-up liquid. You can use a scouring pad - Brillo, for instance - in really bad cases, but take care not to scrub off any unglazed decoration.
Be careful not to make matters worse when cleaning china. If you immerse it in very hot water you may well cause more of the hairline cracks you are trying to disguise. It is worth testing a sample area first, where the damage is least likely to be seen, by wiping it over with a cloth wrung out in very hot water. If washing fails try 'Stainfree' tablets, available from chemists and hardware stores. These dissolve in hot water and make an effective solution which deals with most stains in about an hour. Try a second time if the first treatment doesn't seem sufficiently effective.
Washing the piece in warm water and a good washing-up-liquid may be sufficient. If it is made of metal or wood as well as china, don't immerse it in water but wipe the china parts with a cloth wrung out in warm water and detergent, and 'rinse' them with a clothwrung out in warm water alone.
The dirt may be rather stubborn so you may need to scrub gently along the cracks with an old toothbrush, using neat washing-up liquid. You can use a scouring pad - Brillo, for instance - in really bad cases, but take care not to scrub off any unglazed decoration.
Be careful not to make matters worse when cleaning china. If you immerse it in very hot water you may well cause more of the hairline cracks you are trying to disguise. It is worth testing a sample area first, where the damage is least likely to be seen, by wiping it over with a cloth wrung out in very hot water. If washing fails try 'Stainfree' tablets, available from chemists and hardware stores. These dissolve in hot water and make an effective solution which deals with most stains in about an hour. Try a second time if the first treatment doesn't seem sufficiently effective.
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