Keeping Up to Scratch: Some DIY Polish Ideas for Your Wood Furniture

diy-polish

Source: Jay Montgomery via Pinterest

While shabby chic furniture is certainly in style these days, that doesn’t make it okay for your quality wood pieces to acquire some scratches and imperfections. As a furniture maker in Boston, my clients will often ask me for helpful tips for caring for wood furniture, and I always emphasize the importance of keeping your furniture polished. There are actually some simple and affordable wood furniture polish recipes that you can make on your own, and here are a few of these below:

  • Mineral oil and lemon extract: Mix 1 cup of mineral oil with 3 drops of lemon oil or extract. Not only will this keep your wood furniture polished, but it will give it a pleasant aroma as well.
  • Beeswax and turpentine: Combine 2 ounces of grated beeswax with 5 ounces of turpentine.
  • Olive oil and vinegar: Mix 1 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar.

Once you’ve made your own wood furniture polish, you will need to know the best way to apply it to keep your furniture protected and looking its best. First, it’s critical that you never directly spray the solution onto the wood furniture itself and instead apply it to a clean, soft cloth. Be sure to wipe with the wood’s grain. If your wood furniture has detailing on it, wipe the solution into the area with a soft cloth, go over the detailing with a soft bristle brush, and wipe it again with a clean, soft cloth.

For more ways to care for your wood furniture, such as tips for removing water stains or buffing out difficult marks, please be sure to check out my design blog. You can also contact me, Richard Oedel, fine furniture maker in Boston, with any of your questions.

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