Telltale Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Furniture
Refinishing furniture is an excellent way to bring life to your home. Whether it’s an old dresser passed down through generations or a great buy from a local thrift store, most furniture pieces will fit right in when given just a bit of love. That said, some pieces shouldn’t be refinished. To help you figure out the process, we’ve listed out some telltale signs it’s time to refinish your furniture. Check these out before you delve into your project!
If the Existing Finish is Flaking or Chipped
If the finish on your table or chair is starting to flake off or if you notice any chips, then that’s a telltale sign that you need to refinish. The finish of a piece is supposed to be smooth and keep flaking or chipping from happening. Therefore, if you notice these imperfections, then a new finish is necessary.
If the Furniture is Sticky Even After Cleaning
You may notice this on your kitchen table—even when you wash it down after dinner, there are still some sticky spots, like your child drizzled maple syrup on the table but then never wiped it up. That’s a sign that a piece of furniture needs to be refinished, and fast. This sticky feeling comes from the drying varnishes basically destroying themselves. The only way to fix this is by redoing the entire process.
If Watermarks and Cloudy Spots Appear
Some imperfections on your furniture pieces just mean that you’re not cleaning it well enough. Other imperfections, like watermarks that won’t go away and consistent cloudy spots, mean something more than poor cleaning. If you can clean these marks away, then it’s okay, because they’re lying on top of the finish. The problem occurs when imperfections occur underneath the finish.
If There’s Major Discoloration
Another sign it’s time to refinish your furniture is if you’re noticing any major discoloration. Typically, discoloration on furniture comes from moisture affecting old shellac and lacquer finishes more than others. If you notice discoloration, refinishing should be your next step.
If you checked yes next to any of these signs, then it’s time to refinish the piece. Turn to ECOS Paints for all your home improvement needs—from the best eco-friendly paint to non-toxic* wood stains and varnishes. We’ll make sure you feel confident slathering your favorite pieces with our favorite products. Explore our selection today!
* Non-Toxic: Conforms to ASTMD-4236, specifically concerning oral toxicity, skin irritation, and respiratory effects.
