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How to Prolong the Life of Wooden Furniture
High-quality wooden furniture is a great investment for the home. Strong, versatile and sustainable, it brings a certain charm to any space. Although it may last for many years, wooden furniture is susceptible to scratches, abrasion and wear and tear over time.
For this reason, it’s important to properly care for your furniture to keep it looking as good as when you bought it. From regular dusting to waxing and varnishing, there are several key steps involved when looking after wooden furniture.
This guide will take you through how to effectively prolong the life of wooden furniture, with advice on which products to use.
Why treat wooden furniture?
Wooden furniture never goes out of style and can help create a classic look in your home. However, it may suffer damage if it’s not properly looked after. The best way to keep wooden furniture in tip-top condition is through prevention and maintenance. This includes:
Regular dusting
Minimising exposure to sunlight and heat
Regular cleaning
Applying varnish
Applying wax
Read on as we take you through each maintenance tip in more detail.
Planning on painting your wooden furniture? Discover our complete range of primers at the Dulux Decorator Centre, specially formulated to provide a high-quality preparatory coating.
Regular dusting
Regular dusting is an important step when maintaining wooden furniture, and this should ideally be done every week. Dust particles can build up over time, increasing the risk of scratches on the furniture’s surface.
Use a microfibre cloth or cotton cloth to gently wipe away dust build-up. Refrain from using rough materials when dusting, as this may also result in scratches.
Minimising exposure to sunlight and heat
If your wooden furniture receives too much sunlight and heat, it can lead to discolouration over time. Any damage from sunlight is most likely permanent and restoring your wooden furniture to its original condition may be challenging.
To prevent damage from occurring, make sure to position your furniture in certain places around the house that mean it will not come into direct contact with sunlight or heat. This might include moving it away from fireplaces and uncovered windows.
Regular cleaning
Cleaning regularly can help maintain the finish of your wooden furniture. When doing so, refrain from using commercial cleaning products that may cause damage to the furniture. Instead, gently wipe the surface with a wet cloth and finish off with a dry cloth to remove any excess water.
Want to protect your wooden furniture from tough stains? Use tablecloths and coasters before placing hot or cold objects – such as tea or coffee – on the surface.
Applying varnish
Varnish is a crucial product when it comes to protecting and maintaining your wooden furniture. Not only does it prevent wooden surfaces from getting scratched, but it also adds a waterproof layer to the furniture. This means that the wood will not soak up accidental spillages as easily as unfinished wood. Other advantages of wood varnish include:
It creates a barrier between the wood and other elements such as dirt and grease, effectively preventing staining
It makes the furniture easy to clean by acting as a seal over the wood
Different types of varnish
There are several types of wood varnish. These include:
Oil-based varnish – this type of varnish gives the wood a slight golden shade. Wood varnish colours will vary depending on the surface’s original shade
Water-based varnish – this type of varnish does not change the wood’s original colour
Which products should I use?
The Dulux Trade Diamond Gaze is great for use on high-wear interior wooden surfaces. This is a water-based varnish resistant to water and common chemicals.
We’d also recommend the Dulux Trade Polyurethane Varnish, which can be used over previously stained or varnished interior wood. Providing a tough, durable finish, this varnish is able to withstand knocks, spills and scuffs.
How to apply varnish
Wondering how to apply varnish to wooden furniture? Follow these simple steps for easy application:
Choose a well-ventilated room to varnish your wooden furniture and pay attention to humidity. If the room is hot, the varnish will dry too quickly and form air bubbles
Clean the furniture with a wet cloth and leave it to dry
Check the type of varnish you’re using. If you’re using an oil-based varnish, use a paint thinner to thin it, such as turpentine (one part varnish to one part thinner). If you’re using a water-based varnish, use water to thin it (one part varnish to one part water)
Use a paintbrush to distribute the first layer of varnish, applying it with even strokes. Remember to paint in the direction of the wood grain
Check the tub for drying times. Once the varnish is completely dry, apply a second coat if necessary.
Applying wax
Applying wood wax to your furniture can add an extra layer of protection. It can be used on either old or new wood. Some of the main advantages of using wax to protect and maintain your wooden furniture are:
It’s easy to apply and doesn’t require much maintenance
It can help bring out the natural colour of your furniture, highlighting all the details that make the surface unique
It’s waterproof, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear
Different types of wax
There are different types of furniture wax to choose from. Selecting the right one means considering the effect you would like to achieve. Some waxes are clear, while others are slightly pigmented and add a spot of colour to your furniture.
The main types of wax are:
Liquid wax – this is ideal for wooden furniture with a lot of grooves
Paste wax – this is better for smooth surfaces such as a wooden table or countertop
Which products should I use?
The Antiquax Original Wax Polish is an excellent choice for use on all wooden furniture, providing a long-lasting, durable finish.
How to apply wax
Start by cleaning the furniture with a wet cloth to remove all dust and dirt. Then, gently wipe the surface with a dry cloth
If you’re using liquid wax, make sure to thoroughly stir the tub so that the consistency is even. Use a paintbrush to distribute the wax onto the furniture in long strokes, following the direction of the wood grain
If you’re using paste wax, take a clean cloth and use circular motions to apply it. Remember to only use thin layers of wax and apply it gradually
Leave the wax to dry according to the instructions on the tub. Once it’s fully dry, use a clean cloth to remove any excess wax. Then, buff the furniture in circular motions to achieve a shiny finish
If your furniture needs a second coat of wax, wait at least four hours before applying.