![]() Finally, protect both stain and wood with two coats of Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane. Then apply the Minwax® stain that best matches the surrounding trim. Refinishing a wood chair or dresser is a DIY project you can complete in an afternoon. Wherever some of the old finish has disappeared and the wood has become water-stained, start by sanding off whatever remains of the old finish with 120-grit sandpaper. Learn how to refinish furniture so it sparkles and shines. Following these three steps will ensure that the Helmsman® you apply will adhere to and protect both the old finish and the underlying wood. Then, lightly scuff the surface with 220-grit sandpaper or a synthetic sanding pad. ![]() First, clean off any wax and dirt with a cloth dipped in mineral spirits. If your existing urethane finish needs extra protection but not a total refinishing, you can re-coat it with Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane, provided you follow the three rules for re-coating: clean, dry and scuff. Window sills inside the house have a tough job: They have to look as good as interior trim, but they have to act like exterior trim, withstanding the effects of sunlight and moisture. If the new finish dries, hardens and adheres to the old one, it's safe to topcoat the rest of the piece. One other piece of advice: Before applying a fresh coat of finish over an existing one, test their compatibility on a small, hidden spot, such as the inside of a cabinet door. If neither solvent affects the finish, it is polyurethane. If lacquer thinner softens the finish, it is lacquer. If a cotton ball dipped in denatured alcohol softens the finish, it is shellac. Always sand between coats with 320 grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish. If needed, lightly sand between coats to eliminate bumps and other imperfections before adding more coats. Allow the first coat to completely dry before you add the second coat. The three finishes you are most likely to encounter–shellac, lacquer and polyurethane–can be identified by simple tests on an inconspicuous spot on the piece. You may need to apply several coats of finish to your wood. If you suspect a piece you are about to restore has been waxed, remove the wax with a soft cloth dipped in mineral spirits. While the polyurethane dries, spray-paint the hardware. ![]() If a second coat of polyurethane is desired, or imperfections appear, lightly sand with very fine grit sandpaper, then wipe with a tack or cheesecloth. For example, no finish will adhere to paste wax. Let it dry completely, about 12 to 24 hours. They have different chemical components that aren't always compatible with one another. Fortunately, all it takes is a few minutes–plus the right Minwax® products–to both roll back time and protect your wood for years to comeīefore starting, keep in mind that not all clear protective finishes are alike. Each day the wood around us, from floors and woodwork to furniture and fine antiques, is subjected to sunlight, grit, dust, moisture and dry air. We all wish that every piece of wood in our home could stay as fresh and beautiful as the day it was first finished, but that simply isn't possible.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |