Do you have wooden furniture in your house which are old but you don’t have the heart to give them away as they make you feel nostalgic? If yes, then a great way to breathe back life into your dull wooden pieces is by polishing them.
Never tried wood polishing before? Fret no, here is a comprehensive guide that will help you learn everything you need to know about wood polishing.
Which finish to choose?
If you want a matte finish, then opt for something like Melamine polishes, whereas if you want a shiny finish go for varnishes or polyurethane polishes.
For those of you’ll who want a rich, darker wood finish, varnish, shellac and lacquer are your best bets. These finishes deepen with time and look realistic and chic.
However, keep in mind that these finishes are not easy to apply and might require you to hire a professional.
How to polish the right way?
- Before you open the can of wood polish, you must clean the surface to ensure that there is no dust or wax buildup.
- Take a small amount on a rag and wipe it on the surface. Don’t overpolish because then it will be difficult for you to remove the excess wax after it dries off completely.
- If you are using flammable finishes like varnish, then ensure you are using it in a small amount. Use them carefully from the can and seal them after you are done. Remember to dispose of them responsibly as they may cause an accidental fire.
- For those looking for a natural wood polish, use a concoction of olive oil and vinegar to bring the shine back on your wood furniture.
8 things to keep in mind while choosing a wood finish
- Keep in mind your requirement
Before you go wood polish shopping, know which wooden surface you want to polish and what kind of final effect you are looking for. Do you want a glossier look or something subdued and natural?
- Find out the original finish
If you want to restore your furniture and make it look natural, then the best thing to do is to find out the original finish used and use the same finish again. Seek help from the professional at Asian Paints if you are clueless about which finish will suit your furniture the best.
- Keep in mind the location
Outdoor furniture is exposed to humidity and sunlight, unlike indoor furniture. Hence, keep in mind these environmental factors before you decide on a finish.
- Gather the tools
Since your hands are going to be full when you start with the project, gather all the tools you would require. Some of the common tools you must keep with you are brushes, rags, newspapers, sandpaper and a wood primer.
- Wear protective gears
It is essential to wear gloves, glasses and a face mask to protect yourself from the toxic fumes which varnishes and paint thinners emit. Choose an oil-based finish if you want to go the sustainable, eco-friendly way.
- Choose a simple method
If you have decided to go the DIY way, then it is advisable to stick to the traditional ‘wipe and wipe off polish’ method instead of opting for a complicated polishing technique.
- Don’t apply the wood finish directly
You should never apply the wood finish directly on the surface and instead use a clean, dry rag cloth. Once it dries off, wipe off the excess finish with a clean rag.
- Maintain your furniture
Your hard work will go to waste if you don’t maintain your furniture pieces after polishing them. Invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner and periodically dust your furniture to keep them clean and dust-free. You can also consider placing your wooden furniture on a rug to ensure that they don’t get scratched every time to move them.
You can revamp your old furniture and make them look brand new by polishing them correctly with the right wood polish.
Visit the Asian Paints website to buy wood primers, wood polishes and everything you need for your next DIY wood polishing project.
