Owens Corning
Refinishing Wood
If you live in an older house and the wood trim or cabinetry looks dingy, don't assume that refinishing is necessary. Often, trim and cabinetry will darken over time as dust, wax, and grease build up on the wood. Before starting to refinish, clean the existing finish with odorless mineral spirits. This is a good solvent for removing old wax or cooking grease. Wash the wood with the mineral spirits and let dry. Now examine the wood. If the wood is renewed, you have eliminated the job of refinishing it. If you decide to refinish the wood, the cleaning step is not wasted effort, because you must clean the wood thoroughly to remove old wax or grease before refinishing it.

If refinishing is necessary, choose a new finish that is compatible with the old. Newer polyurethanes are the best choice, but if old varnish, shellac or paint is in poor condition you must completely remove them before refinishing with polyurethane. If you will be refinishing over old varnish, test the polyurethane in an inconspicuous spot before tackling the entire project.

CLEAR FINISHES
If you wish to eliminate the stain and simply preserve the appearance of the wood, apply two coats of polyurethane in either satin or gloss finish. Sand lightly with the grain and use a tack rag to remove the dust between coats.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BRUSHES
For finishing wood with varnish or polyurethane, use an animal bristle brush or lambs wool applicator. Nylon brush bristles tend to leave brush marks and will soften in oil-base solvents. Sponge brushes can also be used for small projects.

FLOORS
If old wood floors are badly scratched or damaged, they must be sanded before refinishing. Hire a pro to resand the floors. If the floors are not damaged but are simply worn, have the floors stripped to remove the old finish.

The best clear finish for wood floors is polyurethane. Polyurethane is durable and resistant to damage from abrasion. For best protection use two coats of polyurethane on wood floors. You need not use waxes on the polyurethane finish: just damp mop to remove spills and use an electric broom to clean the floors.

Polyurethanes will not adhere to wax: clean any surface throughly before application. Use polyurethane finishes in well-ventilated areas. Avoid using near flames or heat. To avoid fires from spontaneous combustion, dispose of steel wool or rags soaked in polyurethane in a metal pail filled with water, and cover with an air-tight lid.


written by the editors of HouseNet
copyright HouseNet Inc.

Back to Home Improvement Preview Lawn And Garden Preview Home Decorating Shopping Center