Every piece of furniture has a unique story to tell. Whether it’s your grandma’s dining table, an antique dresser, or the side table you bought while traveling, there’s something special about furniture that has stood the test of time. However, even the sturdiest furniture pieces will start to show signs of wear and tear as they age. Timeless mission furniture is no exception.
That’s where the art of furniture restoration comes in. With a little care, you can ensure your investment in durable, high-quality furniture pays off, and your heirloom pieces will remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
In this handy guide, we’ll explore the world of furniture restoration, focusing on expert tips and tricks to help you revive your aging mission furniture pieces to their former glory. Keep learning to learn how to refresh wood finishes, leather, upholstery, and hardware.
Wood Furniture Restoration
Mission furniture is known for its solid wood construction, timeless appeal, and gorgeous finishes. When it comes to mission furniture restoration, it’s best to start by cleaning the piece thoroughly with a gentle wood cleaner and soft cloth. This step is essential for removing dirt, grime, and old wax buildup.
For scratches and other imperfections, wood fillers or touch-up pens are effective tools to fill in the gaps. However, for surface-level scratches, you may not need these specialized products. Try mixing one part canola or olive oil with one part vinegar, rubbing it on the scratches with a soft cloth, and letting it sit for a few minutes. The oil expands the wood to fill in the scratch, while the vinegar stains the wood. You may have to repeat this process a few times. Once you’re satisfied with the results, wipe off any excess vinegar-oil mixture with a clean cloth, and you’re done!
Walnuts are another great furniture restoration tool. Simply break a raw, unsalted walnut, rub the meat into the scratch in the direction of the wood grain, and you’re done! The walnut meat fills in the cracks, and the oil expands and stains the wood.
Once the wood surface is clean, smooth, and free of imperfections, consider applying wood polish or wax to nourish the wood and enhance its appearance. For best results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Upholstery Restoration
In addition to solid wood, mission-style furniture often utilizes leather or fabric to upholster chairs, sofas, and ottomans. Revitalizing these materials is a crucial step in the furniture restoration process.
Leather Upholstery
Leather upholstery adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any space; however, it may become cracked, dry, or faded over time, detracting from its original beauty. To revive leather upholstery, start by cleaning it with a mild leather cleaner or saddle soap to remove dirt and stains and prepare it for conditioning. After that, you’ll want to apply a moisturizing leather conditioner or cream to restore the upholstery’s buttery softness and beautiful sheen. For stubborn stains or discoloration, it’s best to seek professional assistance to ensure proper care and prevent accidental damage.
Fabric Upholstery
Mission-style chairs and sofas that utilize fabric upholstery may require special attention from time to time to keep them looking fresh. Begin by vacuuming the upholstery to get rid of pesky dust, debris, and pet hair. For light stains and mild odors, you can spot-clean the fabric with an upholstery cleaner or fabric-safe detergent, but be careful not to saturate the material. For more significant stains, consider professional upholstery cleaning services for the best results.
Reviving Hardware and Metal Accents
To complement the wood finishes, mission furniture often features metal hardware and accents, including drawer pulls, handles, hinges, and subtle decorative elements. The final step in the mission furniture restoration process is reviving these metal components. Start by removing them from the furniture piece and cleaning them with a metal cleaner or polish and a soft cloth or brush. This removes rust, tarnish, and corrosion, restoring the metal hardware’s shine and brilliance.
Mission Furniture in Salt Lake City, UT
Mission furniture restoration requires patience and attention to detail, but by following these simple tips and tricks for breathing new life into wood, upholstery, and hardware, you can preserve its timeless beauty, ensuring it sticks around for generations to come.
At Sugar House Furniture, we are proud to offer a wide range of mission furniture pieces. Visit our showroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, or browse our website to discover the timeless, durable pieces you’ve been looking for. If you have questions about furniture restoration and caring for your mission-style furniture, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
