Restoring Damaged Furniture

• When furniture is damaged by water, dry it properly by putting it in a warm area, under conditions of steady temperature and good air circulation. If the area is too hot. The wood will crack, since wood dries quickly. If the area is cold, wood will dry slowly and fungus can grow on the furniture. Dry it as soon as water damage occurs. Do not delay, as water will seep through the wood causing more damage.
• Remove white spots by using a buffing solution made of toothpaste and baking soda, use equal measures of both ingredients to make a solution. Wet a clean cotton cloth in this solution and rub on the spotted area. Then, buff the area with another cloth. If this does not help in removing the spots then take to a professional.
• Black spots on furniture show that water has seeped through the finish into the wood and has led to the growth of mildew. Strip the finish and bleach the wood to kill the mildew and then reapply finish.
• Furniture that has been damaged by fire and has small-localized burns can be restored by applying polish to the area with a swab of cotton. Remove burnt pieces with penknife. Apply clear polish to the area in small quantities to check whether the polish is the same as the earlier one.
• Fill cracks with wood sealant mixed with fevicol. Allow it to dry. Take 150 grit sand-paper and gently rub the surface of the wood. After this apply varnish on the furniture to make it look glossy.
• If the furniture does not get any cleaner when you use detergent, use a solvent depending on the type of finish. Use turpentine oil, mineral spirits or denatured alcohol.
• Latex enamel paint can be used if you are going for repainting the furniture. Let the first coat dry and then apply the second coat. After this apply water-proof gloss to seal the paint.
• Use an electric sander on large pieces of furniture with flat surfaces, like tables. Sanding will remove cracks.
• Chemical stripping agents can be used to strip wood furniture of old varnish, or chipped paint. Take a medium-sized paintbrush, and dip it into the chemical stripping agent. Paint wood furniture by employing even strokes, and make sure it covers the entire surface especially wherever damage is visible.
• Reamalgamation is a new technique that can make cracked and scratched furniture new. It works nicely and quickly on dull and scratched furniture.
• If there is any loose joint then re-glue it. First remove old glue with 320 grit sand-paper. Apply epoxy glue, reattach the joints and then allow it to dry.
• To remove the smell of smoke from drawers or cabinets, put air fresheners inside them. The wood will absorb the perfume of the freshener.