my first go at restoring furniture

[me217]

just thought I'd throw up what I've been up to the last couple of days, I've been restoring an old chest of drawers for bub on the way. keep in mind i have never done staining or varnishing before so everything has been a learning curve.











thats its first coat of varnish, gotta wait 24 hours between coats.

[D4D]

Looks great, very rewarding too

[stabicraft]

Be sure to sand with fine paper between coats.
If you can afford it a spray gun gives a much better finish, because no matter how hard you try, there will be brush strokes.
The solution, is to thin the mix a little more, buy a very expensive brush and do more coats, sanding with 600 or better paper.

I refurbish old clocks for a hobby
Some of the cases are in very poor condition
It took me quite some time to learn the tricks to get that mirror finish.

Its really worth the effort

[listo]

Looks good mate, I love seeing timber furniture brought back to its glory again. As D4D said, it's a very rewarding hobby

[me217]

Be sure to sand with fine paper between coats.
If you can afford it a spray gun gives a much better finish, because no matter how hard you try, there will be brush strokes.
The solution, is to thin the mix a little more, buy a very expensive brush and do more coats, sanding with 600 or better paper.

I refurbish old clocks for a hobby
Some of the cases are in very poor condition
It took me quite some time to learn the tricks to get that mirror finish.

Its really worth the effort

thanks for tips. i have a spray gun already, but i'm only doing the cupboard in satin finish as it will be in a kids room and is bound to get knocked around.

[feisty]

another tip
just a wipe over with 400 on a block between coats especially if you have stained it before you have given it its first coat.   Removes the feathering but doesn't cut through the stain.

another tip
strip paint/varnish etc with stripper and 000 grade steel wool.   Almost doesn't need sanding after the stripping process.

another tip
much better results hand sanding.   I've seen pieces 'destroyed' by random orbitals and belt sanders (ARGHH!!!)

If it's an old piece you are better off leaving a bit of character that tells the story of its life anyway.

Spent 20+ years french polishing and restoring/replicating antiques at a mate's antique business.

[Nomad]

Feisty next time your in Noosa I have a silky oak table and four chairs for you to play with. I will buy the beer. 

[feisty]

Feisty next time your in Noosa I have a silky oak table and four chairs for you to play with. I will buy the beer. 

Silky Oak, nice.  I have a silky oak carver  that came up a treat.   Mirror finish on the arms.  Came up like glass.

I'll drink your beer anytime mate!

[dales133]

another tip
just a wipe over with 400 on a block between coats especially if you have stained it before you have given it its first coat.   Removes the feathering but doesn't cut through the stain.

another tip
strip paint/varnish etc with stripper and 000 grade steel wool.   Almost doesn't need sanding after the stripping process.

another tip
much better results hand sanding.   I've seen pieces 'destroyed' by random orbitals and belt sanders (ARGHH!!!)

If it's an old piece you are better off leaving a bit of character that tells the story of its life anyway.

Spent 20+ years french polishing and restoring/replicating antiques at a mate's antique business.

Yea ive always used steel wool and stripper.
Ive done a bunch of old kauri wardrobes and finished them with dainish oil

[briann532]

Looks good mate.
Love to see people having a go.

Tinkering is one of the most rewarding and therapeutic things to do.....

Good luck with the bubs too. Is it your first?

Cheers
Brian

[me217]

finally got round to fitting the new handles. here is the finished product,

[D4D]

Job well done

[speewa158]

& now for your next project ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[me217]

& now for your next project ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

need to finish a few on going projects first