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Restoring old wooden furniture can be great fun and extremely rewarding. You can apply any number of paint effects to old pieces, but even if you don't want to use paint, here's a popular no-tape trick to give your cabinets a makeover. However, in many restoration projects the goal is to restore the rich, natural warmth of the original wood, but this can be quite time consuming. When renovating wooden furniture, all old layers of varnish must usually be removed before a new layer can be applied.
Howard's Restor-A-Finish is an affordable product that promises to make the job much quicker and easier. The aim is to bring wooden cabinets and furniture back into shape without stripping or sanding and to return the wood to its former shine as quickly as possible. It can renew worn areas and minor scratches and hide both heat spots and water stains.
Restor-A-Finish is available in a neutral finish as well as a range of eight shades to match everything from light maple to dark ebony. At about $10 for a 16-ounce can (depending on the color you choose), it's inexpensive compared to other oils, stains, and waxes. This all sounds great, but does it live up to expectations?
Read more: 11 creative hacks for window coverings that aren't curtains or blinds
How to use Restor-A-Finish and what you should know beforehand
Someone uses Restor-A-Finish on an old wooden piano – Howard Products
First, make sure the surface you want to re-stain is free of dust, dirt, and grime. Then apply Restor-A-Finish with a small cloth pad or fine steel wool. It blends into the existing surface almost instantly, so all you have to do is apply it and then wipe it off. Here's a TikTok video from user @southernescape that shows how quick and easy it can be to use.
In many cases, a single application is enough, but Howard Brand notes that this depends on the existing surface of your furniture. For example, additional products may be required to achieve a high shine. Additionally, because Restor-A-Finish penetrates the wood, it cannot be used as an interim solution before a full restoration. It's an either/or situation. The product is also not weatherproof, so you will have to find another DIY treatment for outdoor furniture.
Here are some necessary precautions to keep in mind when using Restor-A-Finish. It is highly flammable, so never use it near an open flame. In addition, the liquid itself is toxic and the vapor can irritate the eyes and cause headaches or dizziness. Therefore, use them only in well-ventilated areas. It is also solvent-based. So if you are looking for an extremely eco-friendly product, this may not be the one for you. However, our search for water-based alternatives did not reveal any worthwhile competitors in terms of speed or ease of use.
Read the original article on House Digest.