thisplace.com.au - Wanting to restore some old furniture?

Here is some tips that may help you get the new or antique look you have been wanting to freshen up that old furniture.

Timber

Firstly remove old layers of paint or varnish with a fine sandpaper. Remember to work in small sections and in the same direction of the grain.
If you are wanting to modernise or paint the piece then now you need to put an undercoat or primer on.
Once dry then paint with your choice of colour.
If you wish to keep the piece a more traditional look then after the removal of old layers you now need to varnish the piece. To do this you can either use Clear Polyurethane, or more traditionally use Shellac, you need to mix this with methylated spirits to make up the varnish.
You can get the products from any hardware store but remember to read all directions on products before you use.

Cane

Tidy up any rough edges that are poking out by cutting or breaking them off.
Sand back any old varnish using steel wool, which is better for doing this on cane than sandpaper.
If binding needs replacing to hold the piece together than you could purchase more binding for approx $1.00 per metre from any cane furniture restorer.
You could then either colour stain and clear varnish or just use tinted varnish to freshen the colour.

Remember to work in a well ventilated area when doing this work and even wear a mask to avoid breathing in any dust or fumes from varnish.