DIY How to Restore Wood Furniture – Old, Chipped, Cabinet – FIXED!

How to Restore Wood – My DIY Furniture Makeover

This was my attempt at refinishing an old wood cabinet that we have had for MANY years.

Prior to this I had never done anything like this. What I learned is it is more about the prep and sanding and that it is tedious to do those parts but also SO, SO worth it and easy to do.

This old claw foot cabinet had potential but was pretty beat up. I restored the outside just by cleaning it up and then waxing it with beeswax, and then refinished the top by re-attaching the veneer with wood glue, patching a hole with plastic wood filler, then sanding and applying about 6 coats of polyurethane on the top.

If you would like to read the blog post tutorial – it is here: https://www.thehairypotato.com/blog/diy-furniture-refinish/

The materials to do this type of project:
Sponges and clean rags
Paint stripper
Orbital sander
Sandpaper in multiple grits
Paint scrapers (plastic or metal)
Plastic wood putty
Wood stain
Polyurethane or other sealer/finish
Drop cloths
Beeswax Cleaner/Oil
Wax coating product
Wood soap
Wood Oil
Eye goggles
Chemical-resistant gloves
Face mask (with respirator is best)
Vacuum cleaner
Paintbrushes with natural bristles
Painter’s tape
Stir sticks
Wood Glue
Wood shims (as needed)
Clamps for repairing and reinforcing furniture

Disclaimer: If you have a very authentic, expensive antique piece of furniture, don’t do this yourself. Take it to a professional or you risk devaluing the piece.

Basically, for me, it comes down to the question, “Am I going to spend money to have this restored”, and if that answer is “no”, the next question is, “Am I going to throw this out if I have to continue to live with it as it is now”, and if that answer is “yes” – then I can try to change the way it looks via paint or restoration.

If I have encouraged anyone to be brave enough to tackle something like this in their own home, then I have completed my mission!