Restor-A-Finish is a unique product that revitalizes worn, faded, or discolored wood finishes without removing any of the existing finish. It is not a cleaner, but a finish renewer. That being said, it doesn’t actually clean the wood surface.
However, Restor-A-Finish will restore the existing finish and bring back the original color and luster of the wood finish. It also helps to cover minor scratches and blemishes, helping to make the wood surfaces look new again.
So while it won’t clean the wood directly, it will help to make it look like it has been recently polished and cleaned.
How do I use Restor-A-Finish?
Restor-A-Finish is a great product for restoring the original luster and beauty to damaged or faded furniture and other wood surfaces. To use this product, you will need to first make sure that the surface being worked on is clean and free from any dust, dirt, or grease.
You can use a soft cloth to clean the surface before applying Restor-A-Finish.
Once the surface is prepared, you can begin the process of applying Restor-A-Finish. You will need to select the appropriate color toner for your wood surface. There are eight colors to choose from: Light Walnut, Medium Walnut, Dark Walnut, Golden Oak, Maple, Cherry, Mahogany, and Ebony.
Depending on the desired result, you may want to combine multiple colors of toner on one surface.
Once you have selected the color of toner, begin to apply the product. You can use a clean lint-free rag and rub a thin layer of Restor-A-Finish onto the surface. If necessary, you can use a clean brush to apply the product in areas that are harder to reach.
Begin in an inconspicuous area and then test the product on the surface to make sure the color is a good match. If the color is not what you desire, you can use a different color of toner until you reach the desired results.
Once the Restor-A-Finish is applied, you can use a clean, soft cloth to buff the surface and bring out the luster of the wood. This can be repeated until the desired result is achieved.
Depending on the wood finish you are restoring, you may want to use Restor-A-Finish in multiple coats with drying times in between. You can also use Restor-A-Finish in combination with Reviver or Feed-N-Wax to further restore and nourish the wood surface.
Can I use two coats of Restor-A-Finish?
Yes, you can use two coats of Restor-A-Finish if desired. However, it is not necessary to do so. Generally, one coat of Restor-A-Finish is enough to restore the original color and luster of the wood.
It is important to remember, however, that the results will depend on the original condition and color of the wood, so a second coat may be necessary in some cases. When applying, you should use a clean cloth to apply the Restor-A-Finish in a circular motion, making sure not to rub too hard which could cause damage.
Allow the product to penetrate for four to five minutes before buffing off with a soft cloth. If after one coat the desired effect isn’t achieved, then you can use a second coat with the same process.
How do you prepare wood for restoring finish?
Preparing wood for restoring finish is an important step in restoring an old piece of furniture. Depending on the type of wood and the condition of the surface, the steps may vary. The following guidelines should cover most types of wood.
1. Start with a thorough cleaning. Brush off any loose dirt and dust, then vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Next, use a mild cleanser, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap mixed with warm water, to remove mildew and dirt from the surface.
Be careful not to use too much cleaner, as it may damage the wood.
2. After the wood has been thoroughly cleaned, it should be sanded. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, and then work up to a medium grit. Always go with the grain to avoid scratching the wood.
3. Once the wood has been sanded, there may be some small holes or imperfections that need to be filled. Fill them with a good quality wood filler that is designed to soak into the wood’s pores and dry overnight.
4. After the wood has dried overnight, you can begin to apply a sealant. Choose a sealant designed for the type of wood you are refinishing to ensure that it is compatible with the existing finish. Apply the sealer in thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
5. After the sealant has been applied and dried, it’s time to apply a finish. For a traditional, glossy finish, use a combination of a lacquer and a clear finish. If a more rustic or natural look is desired, use a tung oil or Danish oil.
Apply the finish in thin, even coats with a brush or a cloth, allowing each coat to dry completely in-between.
Following these steps will help ensure that your wood finishes well and looks beautiful for years to come.
How long does it take restore to dry?
The amount of time it takes for a restoration to dry completely can vary greatly depending on the specific materials used, the temperatures and humidity levels of the environment, and the amount of cleaning and restoring that needs to be done.
Generally speaking, the restoration process can take anywhere from a day or two to several weeks depending on the size, type, and condition of the item. Additionally, some materials may need to be fully cured or aged before they are ready to be used again, and this process may take additional time.
It is important to discuss the timeline with a professional restoration company to make sure that the work is completed correctly and in a timeline that meets the item’s requirements.
Can you use Restor-A-Finish on kitchen cabinets?
Yes, Restor-A-Finish can be used on kitchen cabinets. It is a special finish that will restore the original color and finish to cabinets that have become dull or stained over time. To begin, you should clean the cabinets with warm water and a mild detergent and allow them to dry.
Once dry, apply Restor-A-Finish evenly with a soft cloth, making sure to wipe off any excess product. When finished, the cabinets should look much brighter and have a renewed luster. It is important to remember not to apply any product too heavily and that depending on your cabinets, it may be necessary to apply more than one coat.
Additionally, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product for best results.
How do you restore wood without sanding?
Refinishing wood without sanding can be done using a product called refinishing paint. This type of paint is specifically formulated to adhere to existing finishes and restore the wood to its original luster without the need to strip and sand.
In addition to refinishing paint, you can use wood conditioners, wood stains, and wood oils to restore the wood. Before applying these treatments, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and debris, and gently wiped down with mineral spirits then allowed to dry.
Wood conditioners can then be applied to help the subsequent layers of finish penetrate and adhere. After the conditioner has dried, a thin layer of tinted wood stain or an all-natural finish like an oil can be applied.
If the wood requires a more vibrant or deep color, further layers of stain or finish may be necessary. Finally, a clear protective finish can be applied to help the wood last and give it a long-lasting shine.
What colors does Restor-A-Finish come in?
Restor-A-Finish is a wood finish restoration product developed and manufactured by the Howard Products Company. It is designed to restore the color, luster, and beauty of all wood finishes, including lacquers, shellacs, and varnishes that have become faded, scratched, or water damaged.
The product is available in nine colors including Dark Walnut, Golden Oak, Cherry, Mahogany, Dark Brown Mahogany, Teak, Early American, Provincial, and Satin. Each of the colors have been designed to blend with existing finishes and colors.
Restor-A-Finish also contains an ultraviolet protection (UV) blocker to help protect from future sun damage.
Is Howard Restor-A-Finish permanent?
No, Howard Restor-A-Finish is not a permanent product. It provides an economical, long-lasting solution for reviving older furniture, floors and other wood surfaces to their original luster and color.
It works by saturating the wood with natural waxes and oils that penetrate the surface, bringing back its shine and luster. It also helps shield the surface from further damage from the elements, such as water and sun.
However, with age and continued use, the finish will again fade, necessitating another application of Restor-A-Finish. Thus, it is not a permanent product.
Can restore a finish be removed?
Yes, restoring a finish can be removed with the right techniques and tools. Depending on the type of finish, there are a variety of techniques that can be used to remove the restore a finish. These techniques involve using a combination of chemical strippers, sandpaper and power tools such as electric sanders and heat guns.
The type of finish, age and condition of the surface area being restored can determine the best method to use. Additionally, it is recommended that you test any chemicals on part of the finish that is not visible to ensure that they can be used safely.
When using chemical strippers, they should be applied according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and protective measures should be taken to avoid damage to your skin and eyes. It is also important to read and follow all safety precautions when using power tools.