If your home is from the arts and crafts era, or if you have built-ins that are looking a little worn, restoring them is not as difficult as you may think. Built-ins are incredibly useful but they are often overlooked by many home owners. Here are some great tips to help you restore the built-ins in your home and make them look brand new once again.
First, you will need to decide whether you will be sticking to the original character of the piece, or if you would like to completely change its appearance. For example, restoring a built-in bookcase to its original stain and finish may require a little bit of research on your part, especially if it has been painted or faded through the years. Most local libraries will contain books about the arts and crafts era and you can get some great inspiration from them when it comes time to refinish your built-in.
However, you can also completely redo a built-in to change its color or even add more usefulness by removing or adding shelves. It is important to note however that painting a built-in may reduce its overall value, unless the wood is in such bad shape that it is the only answer. Whether you are a wood purist, or a dedicated believer that all wood should be painted, it is important to consider the end result and whether or not it will add or detract from your entire house.
Once you’ve made this decision, you can move forward to restore your built-in. The first step is to remove all items from the built-in and thoroughly clean it. A damp rag will usually work best for this since it will pick up dust, but not leave behind any cleaning product residue that could interact with your paint or wood stain. If the built-in has doors, these should be removed and finished separately before being reinstalled.
Now, using either a piece of sandpaper, or a sanding tool, you will need to completely strip the unit of its finish or paint. This can take a little while, but be careful not to damage the integrity of the wood. Sanders can reduce the overall effort, but they can also take gouges out of the wood if you are not careful. Work slowly and take the time that it takes to finish.
Once your finish is completely removed, get your damp cloth again and go over the built-in to remove any sanding residue. Let that dry and then you can proceed to either painting or staining the wood. Older units may require more than one coat of paint or stain. Allow each coat plenty of time to dry to avoid dealing with bubbles and streaks.
After the final coat has been applied and fully dried, you should consider adding a sealant to protect the finish. Lacquer is a great option that will provide you with a great shine and durability that will last for several years.
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Originally posted 2008-10-09 05:23:09. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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