Page 16 2024 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2024 is paper/plastic and veneer is a thin layer of wood quality wood overlaid on to perhaps solid but less attractive wood. Plywood is made up of thin sheets of veneer or a combination of soft and hardwoods. Particle board is made from wooden particle waste from sawmill shavings. If you are working with any furniture items that are not made from solid wood, it is more difficult to repair sand, stain, or paint to achieve a more even, natural look. 4. Shop with a budget in mind and be knowledgeable of what that piece would cost brand new and what the piece is worth now. Be sure to add up the piece, the supplies needed, and the time that it will take to get it to the way you envision the finished piece. 5. Be realistic! Negotiation skills are always good to have but don’t be insulting to the seller and try to get a low price for a solid piece. Keep in mind that piece might just be a good piece of wood to you, but it might be a reminder of the last Christmas dinner at Grandma’s house to the seller. 6. Even though the cost of re-doing a piece of furniture the way you want will usually be cheaper than shopping around for that new exact, already-made piece, it could still be a little more costly than what you think to get started, so plan, but don’t go overboard buying stain and/or paints until you see the natural wood. Still, the most costly and valuable piece of refurbishing is your time. Sanding or stripping is the only way that you can get the old paint or stain off that furniture so that you can start with a clean slate and paint-stripping chemicals are easier than sanding. If the item is previously painted and you want to show off the wood grain underneath, the best option is to use a paint stripper rather than sanding to make sure that every drop of paint is removed. However, to effectively use a paint stripper your work area needs to be a consistent 65-75 degrees. You will need to exercise patience, as it takes time for the chemicals to dissolve the finish, especially if shellac or lacquer is involved. Paint strippers come in either liquid or gel form or you can use a heat gun by softening and loosening varnish and paint, but you will still need to scrape off the excess. Regardless of which you choose to use, ensure the full safety of you and your family by blocking off the area where you are working to keep pets and children from touching or breathing the fumes, and work in a wellventilated area. Sanding comes into play when the wood is uneven, to remove imperfections, or if you are going to paint the piece to rough up the wood a little for adherence. If you decide to do any sanding, make sure you are wearing the proper face protection as wood dust can pose health hazards, and some paints before 1978 can contain lead. Sealing is the most important step. Whether you decide to color the piece of furniture or not, sealing will help preserve, polish, and protect that piece of furniture. For beginners interested in a step-by-step guide, the below link will help get you started. How to Refinish Wood Furniture 7 Easy Steps for Beginners https://www.thespruce.com/mistakes-to-avoidwhen-refinishing-wood-furniture-1391598 [Jay Ruppel]
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