Solid wood furniture can elevate any space, but it usually requires some upkeep. If you’ve slacked on conditioning your wood table and chairs — or you found an amazing wood furniture piece at a local thrift store that could use some love — you don’t have to sand or restain it to achieve that good-as-new…
Bring Wood Finishes Back to Life
According to TikTok creator and interiors consultant Maggie Wilkerson (aka Collected Home), a little bit of Restor-A-Finish can work like magic on wood furniture. That’s why antique dealers swear by it for reviving old wood tables without all of the sanding and staining that typically goes into restoring these pieces.
Similar to wood stain, the restoration formula comes in eight different colors, including neutral, to match various types of wood finishes. If you aren’t able to find a perfect match, opt for a slightly lighter finish — you can always go darker later if needed. Since it’s not a stain, the surface restorer shouldn’t be used to darken or change the color of the finish.
Restor-A-Finish is primarily intended as a cosmetic fix and should only be used on finished wood surfaces, such as those with shellac or lacquer. If you’re planning to fully refinish the piece in the future, you may want to avoid this product, as it creates a barrier that makes removal, sanding, and restaining more challenging.
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How To Apply Restor-A-Finish
Before you begin, clean the wood surface thoroughly. Create a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, lightly mist the surface using a spray bottle, and wipe it away with a clean microfiber cloth. Wilkerson recommends applying Restor-A-Finish with a soft cloth or ultra-fine steel wool (her go-to method). Steel wool is especially effective on stubborn spots, but remember to rub with the wood grain.
To prevent staining, do not pour Restor-A-Finish directly onto furniture. Work in small sections, applying the Restor-A-Finish to your cloth or steel wool and then rubbing it into the wood. Immediately wipe away any excess with another clean microfiber cloth. Allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. While this step is entirely optional, Wilkerson finishes her projects with a coat of HOWARD Feed-N-Wax to add moisture and polish. It helps maintain the wood’s natural grain and provides a protective coating.
While not a miracle cure, Restor-A-Finish offers an easy way to improve the look of wood furniture, cabinets, and trim if you’re not the type of DIYer to break out an electric sander. Those working with valuable antiques, seeking to change the color of the finish, or dealing with significant damage may want to refinish the piece themselves or turn to a professional for help.
