When dealing with old wood, particularly for cleaning and restoring finishes, you typically use specific commercial products combined with a fine abrasive like #0000 steel wool.
Cleaning and Restoring Old Wood Furniture
Based on guidance for handling old wood furniture, the materials used vary depending on the task: cleaning the surface or restoring the finish.
Materials Used
Here's a breakdown of what is recommended:
- For Cleaning:
- A commercial cleaning product specifically designed for wood.
- #0000 steel wool. This is the finest grade available and is used to gently work the cleaner into the surface and lift grime.
- For Restoring the Finish:
- A commercial finish restoring product.
- Again, #0000 steel wool. It helps apply the restorer evenly and can smooth out minor imperfections in the existing finish.
Application Method
The process involves applying the chosen product (cleaner or restorer) using the #0000 steel wool. A crucial technique is to ensure you wipe with the grain of the wood. This prevents scratching across the grain and helps the product penetrate or clean along the natural lines of the wood.
Summary of Tools and Products
Below is a simple table outlining the recommended items for working on old wood furniture:
| Task | Recommended Product | Recommended Tool | Application Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Commercial Cleaning Product | #0000 Steel Wool | Wipe with the grain |
| Finish Restoring | Commercial Restoring Product | #0000 Steel Wool | Wipe with the grain |
Using the correct products and the fine #0000 steel wool, while working with the wood's grain, can help effectively clean and restore the appearance of old wood furniture.
