This article is to show you how you can renovate that lovely old table or similar furniture. Read how with a little bit of TLC, and lots of hard work you can transform it back to original.

All furniture starts to show its age, from wear and tear over the years in every home. This will help transform those pieces back to their original finish.

On the other hand, you may have just bought your new home and want to save money by purchasing secondhand furniture. If this is your plan, you can save heaps by renovating it yourself, and give it your own personal touch at the same time.

Visit the secondhand shops, like the Salvation Army or Op shops. Check out your local garage sales and pick up a good bargain. The main thing is to make sure the furniture is solid. Look and make sure there are no hidden faults by opening all drawers and doors.

Buy Solid wooden furniture

When buying secondhand furniture to renovate, never buy anything made from chipboard. Be sure to buy either pine, jarrah or similar solid wood furniture.

The buildup of dirt, oil, and polish will have covered its original beauty after years of use. This needs removing and the wood taken back to original, before they applied the stain or varnish.

For this exercise I have restored an extension table.

Materials required

Sander, with rough and smooth papers

Piece of wood with rough and smooth papers. Use this to get into corners or small and stubborn areas.

Stain or varnish

Newspapers

Piece of material or paintbrush

Thinners

Removing varnish

Before you start making that big mess, lay sheets of old newspapers on the floor under the piece of furniture you intend to work on. This will protect your floor from any damage. No one can prevent those little accidental spills.

Use an electric sander with rough sand paper if varnish is thick, or medium for less varnish. Work back and forth, using a steady pressure across the table top. Make sure you go with the grain, to avoid scratches. Wipe of excess dust with soft cloth as you work to see how much needs removing.

For hard to get in corners, use a piece of flat wood with the required sandpaper wrapped around it.

Now work your way around the edges and on the sides underneath. Then sand off the legs in the same manner working with the grain. You may need to wrap the paper around a piece of foam, to allow movement around the legs.

Wipe off all excess dust with a clean soft cloth before attempting to apply a finish.

Now you need to decide whether you will use a finishing wax on this table or re-varnish it.

Finishing wax

If you decide to use a finishing wax, for the best results use the paste. Apply an even coat of the paste with a soft cloth and work into the wood. Then buff to a high shine.

Staining

You may wish to change the color of your table. Do this by applying a coat of suitable stain using a paintbrush. Work with even brush strokes, going with the grain. Never use a stain lighter than the wood itself. Stains often used to bring out the grain of the wood.

Allow the stain to completely dry before applying the sealer.

Use a transparent sealer to seal the stain.

Re-varnish

To re-varnish: use a paintbrush, and apply with long even strokes. Take care not to have too much varnish on the brush, as it will run. Avoid shaking the tin to mix the varnish as this could cause bubbles to form on the varnish.

Manufacturer's Instructions

Always read the instructions with care. If it says to use thinners then do so. Never apply another coat before the first one is completely dry.

Good luck, I hope you take up my challenge, to restore and revamp some of that old pre-loved furniture.

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