How to Deal With Old Rustic Furniture Patches
Whether your pieces of antique furniture are in a bad state due to the weathering process or have been knocked over by a stray cat, you’re sure to need to know how to deal with old rustic furniture patches. If you’re lucky enough to own an antique piece, you may be able to repair the dents, dings, and gouges. The most basic way to patch up an antique piece is to remove the old finish. If the dent is made of solid or veneered wood, you can do this by applying a damp cloth to it and ironing it over it. Make sure to use a low setting and hold the iron for a few seconds so as not to damage the wood.
Shellac sticks fill cracks
If you’ve noticed that your rustic furniture is starting to show signs of wear and tear, you may be wondering how to repair it. A few simple steps can save you time and money in the long run. One of these steps is to apply shellac to the crack. The shellac stick must be warmed up over a burner or a match. You may use a gas or electric range, but you should be careful not to damage it. You can try to apply the stick to a scrap piece of wood to see how it reacts before applying it to the cracked surface.
Oil and vinegar remove grime
Olive oil and vinegar are both excellent for removing grime and oil from wooden furniture. Olive oil is a natural polishing agent, while vinegar cleans without stripping finishes. Mix the two together in a spray bottle and apply it to your furniture using a soft cloth. Then, buff it dry. Repeat as necessary. After a few weeks, the furniture should look as good as new. Here are some tips for cleaning your rustic furniture:
Water putty fills gouges
If your rustic furniture has cracks and gouges, the best way to fix them is to repair the wood. If the damage is too severe to repair, consider replacing the veneer. This is a simple procedure, but it can be time-consuming if you’re not an expert. To repair a crack or gouge, mix two parts of water putty with one part of a putty knife. Mix the putty until it is of the consistency of a thick paste. Next, use a putty knife to lift the veneer, leaving a little higher than the scratch. Once dry, finish by sanding the area smoothly. Do not stain over wood filler.
Woodworm holes don’t necessarily mean there’s a woodworm
If you find holes in an antique piece of rustic furniture, this does not necessarily indicate that there’s a woodworm infestation. In most cases, woodworms have not been present in this piece for more than two years. If you do notice these holes, it is important to find a proper woodworm treatment. Woodworm treatment is important for many reasons, not the least of which is to protect the rest of your antique piece of rustic furniture.
Distressing furniture is fun and rewarding
If you have some time on your hands, distressing old rustic furniture can add new life to it. The distressed finish gives raw wood a rustic appearance. There are several ways to distress wood, including sanding it with a fine-mesh sander or using MudPaint. For the most authentic look, choose a piece that has several layers of paint or a heavily lacquered finish.
