New furniture is not only expensive, but it also often lacks the rich detailing that antique furniture styles contain. The minimalist style has taken away the beautiful carving and in-depth weaving, which is why we are big on furniture repair. 

Repairing old furniture helps you preserve the immaculate art that old furniture was. Not to mention, old furniture adds depth, uniqueness, and nostalgia to homes. So, if you want to repair and revitalize your old furniture, we have some do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind!

Don’ts of Furniture Repair 

Furniture repair is exciting for DIY lovers, but they end up making a lot of mistakes that cost them furniture pieces. So, to ensure you’ve the best pieces at home, we have some don’ts that you should remember. 

1. Don’t Overlook Furniture Because of Flat Stuffing 

Many people end up ignoring the old furniture and think, “it’s beyond repair†because the stuffing is flat. However, you must remember that stuffing can be replaced (you can purchase new stuffing from a nearby furniture store or a general store). This is important because old pieces have sturdy joinery and wooden frames, which can stand the test of time. 

It’s common for people to use big scissors to cut off everything and throw away the upholstery. The real problem occurs when you start putting together new upholstery and cannot figure out what goes where. So, to prevent this issue, you should disassemble the pieces in a sequence and check out how different pieces were put together. 

2. Don’t Cut Off the Old Upholstery 

In fact, it’s better to write down some notes and take photos on your phone, so you can go back whenever you want during the repair process. 

3. Don’t Skip the Refinishing & Painting 

Being hasty during the furniture repair process won’t work in your favor because it’s a slow process. For instance, people don’t let the primer dry and absorb properly and start painting the furniture right away. It might get the job done quickly, but the paint won’t stay and will start peeling off. So, when you apply the primer, wait for three to four days before you start painting it. 

4. Don’t Use Paint on Every Surface 

Many people don’t realize this, but not every furniture piece can hold paint. For instance, the paint won’t stick to lacquer and melamine surfaces, especially if you need a long-term solution. It’s recommended that you hire professionals to do the paint job. In addition, the professionals know how to paint the furniture without leaving any patches. 

5. Don’t Put Your Furniture in Sunlight 

It’s common for people to put the furniture in their yard while fixing them, but it’s not recommended. That’s because sun rays can damage the finish of the paint and increase the chances of adding. So, if you have painted the furniture or have gotten new upholstery, it’s important to protect the furniture from sun rays. Even if the furniture is bare, sunrays will lead to cracks. So, always store the furniture in a shaded area, and be cautious; use a plastic cover. 

6. Don’t Use Wood Filler 

If you have to repair the furniture and there is a huge part that needs work, it’s recommended that you add a wooden piece rather than filler. That’s because wood filler is meant for smaller repairs. In addition, using the wood filler on larger areas can lead to cracking and warping. 

Do’s of Furniture Repair 

Now that you know what you’ve got to avoid, we are sharing the must-follow steps when you restore and repair your old furniture. 

1. Do Clean the Furniture

Before you start tearing off the upholstery and sanding, make sure you clean the furniture properly. That’s because old furniture has a lot of grime and dirt in the nooks and crannies, and cleaning will help you understand the current condition of the furniture. To clean the furniture, you use vegetable oil-based soap and a sponge to clear off the dust. Also, you can use a towel dipped in warm water to remove the soap residues (never use a water pipe). 

However, if your furniture has a lot of small details, you can use a toothbrush to clean up everything. Lastly, if you have to clean the wax buildup, always use the finest steel wool and a light hand to ensure the finish is maintained. 

2. Do Hire Professionals 

It sounds exciting to redo your furniture, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why we recommend hiring a professional, especially if you have to do the upholstery. Remember that fabric is the foundation of aesthetic appearance, and professionals know how to ensure the best appearance. Also, the professionals will give you a guarantee of fabric quality, so you can get value for money. 

3. Do Use Glue 

When it comes down to repairing the furniture, it’s understandable that you have to fix the broken pieces, but nails aren’t always the best choice. This is why people use glue, but they don’t realize that furniture cannot be fixed with regular. Instead, you have to use wood glue (it’s also known as white glue). It can bond the furniture pieces together. Also, glue won’t cause cracking, while nails can lead to splitting and cracking. 

4. Do the Sanding Gently 

Whenever you sand the furniture, make sure you are gentle because pressure can lead to surface damage. In addition, it’s recommended that you purchase fine-grit sandpaper because it can sand off extra stuff without removing too much wood finish. 

5. Do Use the Finish 

The finish is extremely important to prevent fading paint and to ensure everything stays put. Even if you haven’t painted the surface, it’s recommended to apply a finishing agent to the repaired area because it can help protect the wood. Also, it can create a smooth and even surface which isn’t possible if you don’t use the finishing agent. 

The Bottom Line 

Repairing your furniture is a fun activity, and following some expert advice can help you get the best results. However, if you cannot handle the repair at some point, contact us for professional help because your furniture is important!