Is your dining room table showing the wear and tear of family use? Or is your antique dresser showing its age, but not in a good way? Don’t go shopping or log on to buy something new; instead refresh, restore, or reimagine it.
Water rings, scratches, and general wear and tear may make you think your wood furniture is beyond saving. But good pieces are worth restoring, and it’s easier than you think.
But First, Clean
Before you strip or sand—and we’ll get to that—bypass the spray-on furniture polish—that’s just for a quick spiff up—and instead give it a thorough cleaning. Use a lemon or orange cleaner, or the old reliable Murphy’s Oil Soap. Apply as instructed, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it off. You may need to do this two or three times, allowing the wood to thoroughly dry between applications. In many cases, removing years of accumulated grime is all that’s needed to reveal the original beauty underneath.
