Hardwood furniture is known to lose its shine after 10 to 15 years. Besides just losing its visual appeal, old furniture is also likely to experience undesirable effects like cracks. If your furniture shows any visible signs of ageing and losing its aesthetics, it might be time for restoration to prolong its lifespan.
Similarly, if you own old appliances, restoring them is a much better option than just throwing them away.
However, not all of them are created equal, so it is a must to examine your appliances before proceeding with the restoration process.
If the ones you own are severely damaged, or parts needed for restoration are unavailable, working on that appliance or furniture might not be worth your time and effort. But if that is not the case, you can proceed with the restoration process.
Here is how to restore and revive your old furniture and appliances. Apply this step-by-step procedure to extend the life of these precious items.
The Best Way to Restore Old Furniture
Restoring old furniture is not a difficult task, especially if you use the ideal tools and methods, just like how professionals use the correct tools for the
best end of lease cleaning Geelong. Here are the things you need to do:
1. Take Preventive Measures
It is ideal to take essential safety precautions before you start working to ensure maximum protection. Firstly, remember to always wear
protective gear, including eyewear, attire with long sleeves, rubber gloves, and other similar items.
Next, keep in mind that you should do the work in an area with sufficient ventilation, ideally outdoors. The restoration process will include applying adhesives and solutions that are likely to contain gaseous compounds that must not be inhaled.
2. Identify the Current Finish
Ensure that you are aware of the finish of your old furniture before continuing with the restoration work. It is easier to identify paint or enamel than as compared to natural finishes like shellac or varnish. You may not identify them at first sight, so the best thing to do here is to make use of denatured alcohol.
After application, if the finish comes off, it will be shellac. But if it shows no effect, then it will most likely be a varnish finish.
3. Thoroughly Clean the Furniture
In a few cases, a
thorough cleaning might be enough to restore the furniture. Expert end of lease cleaners Geelong recommend avoiding commercial cleaning products as they contain hazardous chemicals.
So, prepare a DIY cleaning solution by mixing liquid detergent and warm water. Apply the solution and wipe it away for a thorough clean. Use a soft cloth for drying purposes to guarantee that the furniture does not experience water damage.
4. Carry Out Reamalgamation
It is common for most wood finishes to develop cracks or scratches over time. This is where you utilise a process known as reamalgamation. Just get solvent-denatured alcohol for shellac or lacquer thinner for lacquer.
Then, apply it over the surface, blemishes like cracks with a paintbrush and let it dry. This process is ideal for lacquer and shellac finishes but is not applicable to varnishes.
5. Consider Refinishing the Furniture
If thorough cleaning and reamalgamation do not work, you can consider refinishing the old furniture through laminate sheets. They are well-recognised for their strong build, lengthy life, and exceptional resistance against external elements and abrasion. They can be used to revive your valuable furniture and restore its appearance. High-pressure laminates are the best option due to their surface strength and high impact resistance.
Use this Approach to Restore Appliances
Restoring
an appliance is a great way to prolong its life while getting more use out of it and ease the professional end of lease cleaning Geelong. Here is the approach you can use to do the same:
1. Replace the Parts
The first yet most important decision you need to make is whether to refurbish the old parts or simply replace them. In many cases, the parts will still be available, and it will be cheaper to replace them rather than refurbish them.
2. Clean the Appliance
Experience end of lease cleaners Geelong recommend thoroughly cleaning the appliances using a basic combination of soap and water. Ensure all the dirt, dust, and grime has been removed from the appliance. To tackle tough stains, use a mixture of
baking soda and water. This solution is also effective for eliminating rust from appliances.
3. Apply Fresh Paint
Once you have
cleaned the appliance, apply a coat of primer to the complete appliance before getting started with painting. You can buy primer at any hardware store for a fairly cheap price. Apply two coats of high-quality, lasting paint.
4. Style the Appliance with New Hardware
Replacing the hardware in your old appliance can help you add a bit of style and personality without purchasing an entirely new one. You can find such stuff at plenty of second-hand shops.
Wrapping Up
Restoring and reviving your old appliances and furniture will help you make them last longer and function better. This way, you will save a lot of money in the long run, which you otherwise might have spent purchasing new furniture and appliances. By applying the steps from this article, you can complete the restoration process quickly.
