Injecting life into your old furniture

Do you have some old bits of furniture collecting dust in the garage? Or maybe the family heirloom chair is in need of some TLC? Whatever the reason may be, restoring old furniture is a great way to inject life back into neglected pieces.

The cold winter months are the perfect time to embark on a new project and you don't have to be a professional to take on furniture restoration - you just need some elbow grease, the right equipment and a bit of time up your sleeve.

Sandpaper is essential for revamping furniture - your local Kennards Hire boast a wide range of sandpaper grades and power tools to assist your sanding project.

When selecting the right sandpaper for your project it is useful to know the finer the grade of paper, the larger the number, and vice versa - if you are unsure of what you require, in-store experts will be able to assist you.

Electric sanders are the fastest and most efficient tools to strip an item of furniture - making sure to use constant pressure and ensure that you go with the grain to prevent scratches.

Removing the build-up of old polish, oil and dirt is important to restore your furniture piece back to its former glory - for sanding tight corners, a block of wood covered in sandpaper will help, or hire a triangle sander for a professional result.

Once you have finished sanding - making sure not to forget the edges, underneath and legs - you can prepare for finishing.

Wiping down the piece with a clean non-abrasive cloth will remove all excess dust from the sanding.

Once this is done, you can decide on your finish - a wax, varnish or stain.

Staining is effective if you want to change the colour of your piece for a specific look - keeping in mind you should never use a lighter stain than the wood's original colour.

Apply the stain with a paintbrush using even brush strokes along the grain of the wood.

Waxing is a natural look best applied with a soft cloth and rubbed into the furniture - buffing to finish will provide a nice shine.

Re-varnishing is similar to staining in application - use a paintbrush with long strokes going with the grain.

Most products should have directions on the back, so if you are unsure it may be useful to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.