We've all seen those satisfying furniture restoration videos online, where a tired old sideboard or scratched dining table is transformed into something beautiful again. But what those videos don't always show is how to actually do it yourself.
Maybe you've got an old piece of wooden furniture that's been in the family for decades, or perhaps you've found something you love on Facebook Marketplace that needs a little attention.
The good news is that restoring wooden furniture doesn't always involve hours of sanding and refinishing. Sometimes, a thorough clean and the right products are all it takes.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to restore old wooden furniture, from identifying the wood to dealing with scratches, faded finishes and everyday wear, using products from the Renuwell range.
Step 1: Identify Your Furniture's Wood and Finish
Before starting, it's important to know whether your furniture is solid wood, veneer or a combination of both.
Solid wood is timber throughout, while wood veneer is a thin layer of real wood applied to another material. One way to tell is by examining the grain around the edges. If the grain suddenly changes or doesn't line up, it could be veneered.
Veneered furniture is particularly common in antique and modern furniture, and it isn't necessarily a sign of lower quality.
If you're unsure, treat the furniture as though it's veneered. Older veneers can be extremely thin, and sanding too aggressively could permanently damage the surface.
It's also worth checking whether the existing finish is lacquered, varnished, oiled or waxed, as this will affect which restoration products you can use.
Before applying any restoration product, always test it on a small, hidden area first to check how it reacts with the existing finish.
Step 2: Clean Your Wooden Furniture
Before attempting to remove scratches or restore faded wood, give your furniture a proper clean.
Years of dust, grease and furniture polish can build up on the surface, making the wood appear dull or discoloured. You might be surprised by how much better it looks after cleaning alone.
What to use:
Renuwell Swiss Cleaner is designed to remove dirt, grease, nicotine and old polish residue from a variety of surfaces, including wood.
Simply remove any loose dust, test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area, then apply it according to the product instructions and wipe with a clean, lint free cloth. For stubborn dirt, leave the cleaner to work for one to two minutes before wiping it away.
Avoid saturating damaged finishes or exposed veneer edges, and allow the furniture to dry before moving on.
Step 3: Restore Faded Wood and Reduce the Appearance of Scratches
Once your furniture is clean, you can get a better idea of what needs attention.
Light scratches, faded patches and an uneven appearance are common with older wooden furniture. While sanding and refinishing might seem like the obvious solution, it isn't always necessary.
Renuwell Furniture Regenerator
Furniture Regenerator is designed to revive the appearance of tired wooden surfaces, enhance their natural colour and make superficial scratches and certain stains less noticeable.
It's suitable for light and dark wood, including many lacquered finishes, making it particularly useful for older furniture where you want to preserve the original finish.
Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and work it evenly across the surface, following the grain. Buff with a clean polishing cloth and repeat if necessary, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Always test a hidden area first, as the product can darken some woods.
It's worth remembering that Regenerator won't physically repair deep scratches, missing veneer or damaged lacquer. However, for furniture suffering mainly from cosmetic wear, it can be worth trying before committing to a complete refinish.
Step 4: Nourish and Protect Oiled Wood
If your furniture has an oil finish rather than lacquer or varnish, it may benefit from a fresh application of furniture oil.
Oiled wooden surfaces can lose some of their richness over time, particularly with regular use and cleaning.
What to use:
Renuwell Furniture Oil is designed for oiled and open pored wood, helping to enhance the natural grain while providing protection against moisture and everyday staining.
Apply evenly with a lint free cloth, following the grain. Allow the oil to absorb, wipe away any excess and leave to dry. The surface should no longer attract dust after approximately 24 hours.
Furniture Oil shouldn't be used on intact varnished or lacquered finishes, as it cannot properly penetrate the sealed surface.
Important: Oil soaked cloths can spontaneously combust if left crumpled together. Lay them flat or hang them to dry completely before disposing of them safely, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 5: Know When Furniture Needs More Than a Surface Treatment
Not every piece of wooden furniture can be restored with a cleaner or treatment alone.
Deep scratches, peeling veneer, water damage and flaking finishes may require more involved repairs.
For example, white water rings are often associated with moisture affecting the existing finish, while dark stains can indicate moisture has penetrated further into the wood.
Likewise, loose or missing veneer needs repairing rather than simply treating the surface.
If your furniture has significant damage, it's worth identifying the cause before attempting any repairs. Sanding an old piece unnecessarily can remove original finishes and, in the case of veneer, cause permanent damage.
The best approach is usually to start with the gentlest method and only move towards stripping or refinishing when necessary.
Step 6: Keep Your Restored Furniture Looking Its Best
Once you've finished restoring your wooden furniture, regular maintenance will help keep it looking its best.
What to use:
Renuwell Quick Care combines cleaning and surface care in one product, using natural beeswax to help maintain and protect compatible surfaces.
It's suitable for wood, lacquer and several other materials, making it useful for routine furniture maintenance.
Simply spray and wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth, following the instructions on the bottle.
For wooden chopping boards, utensils and other suitable wooden accessories, Renuwell Wood Butter is another option. Made with beeswax and carnauba wax, it's designed to nourish and protect wood, including suitable food contact surfaces.
Beyond using the right products, simple habits such as wiping up spills quickly, using coasters and avoiding prolonged direct sunlight can make a big difference.
Is It Worth Restoring Old Wooden Furniture?
Absolutely. Whether it's a family heirloom, a vintage sideboard or a second-hand find, restoring wooden furniture can be a rewarding way to preserve its original character and extend its lifespan.
And not every restoration needs to be a major project. Sometimes, taking the time to clean the surface, revive the finish and maintain the wood is all it takes.
If you're planning your next furniture restoration project, explore the Renuwell range available at Next Day Paint to find the right treatment for your furniture.
