Furniture
Starting with the right piece is important. Select a piece that is well-built and solid. I look for pieces that are solid wood, have dovetail joints, drawers that work well, and are structurally sound. If I want to keep the original hardware having all components that function is huge. I have to be realistic about what I can fix and what is worthwhile to fix. Large fixes cost time and money and often end up sitting for long periods while I work on easier projects. If the fixes are more than sanding and filling I move on and find something that is more worth my time and will give me a higher return on my investment. I do run a business and have to take these things into consideration. When I purchase a piece for myself I am more lenient on some of my rules and willing to invest more time since it’s something I will be keeping. Also, beware of lingering smells (smoke and mildew) as they can be nearly impossible to get out of pieces and having a piece of furniture that you have spent hours refinishing and fixing only to have to disclose to the buyer that there are still problems is unfortunate.
Many pieces are solid wood construction with a veneered surface. It’s extremely common and nothing to run away from. Veneer can be refinished or painted. Do note that refinishing veneer can be tricky if it’s thin because if you sand too far and go through the veneer there’s not much you can do to fix it.
Heidi says
Thank you!
The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place says
great post…I have wondered what your technique is. Your doing some fun stuff!
Jan
RPK Interiors says
Thank you for such a thorough explanation of your process! Very helpful. Pinning it for others to benefit from this! 🙂
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
What a great post Reeves! Thanks for sharing your favorite products. I definitely need to give that wax a try. Your furniture always looks flawless!
Lanaya | Raising Reagan says
Some great tips … I have a piece of furniture I need to redo.
Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. 🙂
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(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
Raising-Reagan.com
Angela Conley says
So glad you shared info on using paint with primer in it… I've been using Behr's line for my projects lately but didn't really know much about it. Thanks for sharing your wonderful tips!
Samantha @ Five Heart Home says
These are great step-by-step instructions for those of us without much experience painting and staining furniture. Thanks so much for sharing…pinned for future reference!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Lots of great tips and reminders that some of us might have forgotten! Thanks for linking up to the Dream*Create*Inspire party!
Leslie Stewart says
Thanks so much for sharing this great info at my party! Stop by House on the Way tomorrow to see it featured!
Leslie
http://www.houseontheway.com
Reeves @ The Weathered Door says
I truly appreciate you sharing it 🙂
HEATHER GRAHAM says
This is such a great post! Thanks so much for linking it up at Tips & Tricks on Stringtown Home… so informative, and such great info… I'm heading to Facebook, now, to share it on my page, and I'm pinning it to Pinterest tomorrow. 🙂
http://www.stringtownhome.net
Sam Bates says
Something I have searched for online but haven't found, is how to tell the difference between wood veneer and laminate. I bought a buffet on CL that had the top replaced with particle board at some point, but it seems like it has wood veneers on it. I can't tell though. The rest of the buffet is solid wood.
Ayu Wulandari says
great work…!! indonesian people say : Kereeeeenn..!!
Beth@Makemeprettyagain says
Hi Reeves. Just thought I'd pass along a few things I've learned. Ignore it if you want! lol
I found this great wipe on urethane (not poly. an oil base urethane) from General Finishes. OMG. No brush marks, and the stuff is unreal. Dries quickly and you can use it over chalk paint as well.
The second is I don't paint with latex. I use it for my chalk paints, but found the SW pro-classic enamel (water-ased) is much better straight out of the can for my mid-century pieces. You don't get that tacky feeling that latex has. And it's self leveling. Just my humble opinion on these products. Feel free to tell me to butt out!
Jacquin Milhouse-Headen says
This is so useful! Thanks for the helpful info and great ideas! Fab blog! http://www.InteriorsbyJacquin.blogspot.com
Angie Danel says
Water ring drama: The rings are holding up pretty well against the stain I'm using so we will most likely just paint over them. Your advise for painting over oil based stain? Just sand?
sharmi says
Reeves, How long does each piece take to complete, from start to finish ?
Shelly says
How do you decide which milk paint to use and do you ever spray a clear coat for extra ware protection before waxing?I look forward to your reply!!
furniture stores near me says
Really informative post for everyone who want to purchase furniture they should know about wood that which type of wood are they using. Keep giving updates.