Source: Layna Lamons via Pinterest

Refinishing old furniture has always been in style, and people are constantly finding ways to give that family heirloom or antique market find a fresh, new look. While watching home and garden shows make refinishing furniture look incredibly easy, many of the clients that I earn can vouch that it’s not. As an experienced furniture builder in South Boston, I have had the opportunity to help my clients refinish treasured pieces of older furniture as well as create fine furniture from scratch.

If you are contemplating hiring a professional to help you refinish your old furniture, here are some of the signs that it may be time to do so:

• You notice cracks that seem to resemble alligator skin or excessive peeling.
• Your furniture has been inflicted with deep gashes, dents, or burns that have negatively impacted its finish.
• Someone has spilled either nail polish or nail polish remover on the surface of the wood.
• The surface of the wood has a dried coat of an oil-based paint on it.
• You are uncertain of the paint finish on your wood furniture (shellac, varnish, lacquer, etc).

These are just some of the symptoms that it may be time to get a professional involved with refinishing your wood furniture. If you have any other questions as you are considering the best plan of action for refinishing your furniture, please contact me, Richard Oedel, Fine Furniture Master. I have been a furniture builder in South Boston for many years and would be more than happy to help you.