Top Furniture Tips

There are several kinds of stain remover brands out in the market, be it for carpets, upholstery fabrics, rugs or mattresses. Each of them has their own features and level of effectiveness. However, some of these removers will work only on certain types of stains contrary to what the advertisements tell you.

 

Oftentimes, we get disappointed after realizing the expensive furniture cleaning product we bought did not live up to what their promoters say. This thing happens to most of us, maybe not only once but twice. I know of at least 3 “stain and odor” remover products that only mask the scent of urine and other odor with perfume and nothing else.

 

 

Lately, I have come across a unique stain and odor remover that truly does what it says.

 

What Kids n Pets Does

 

Kids n Pets delivers on its promise where its other rival products do not. It works by pouring the solution on the stained area and allowing it to dry. You'll be amazed at the result. It will remove not only the stain but will eliminate the odor as well. Cat urine is the most lingering and toughest scent I've known but it's not a problem with Kids n Pets

 

 

I haven’t tried it yet, but reading several reviews from various online stores like amazon.com, drugstore.com and eBay, I have learned that Kids n Pets works on most types of fabric without damaging it.

 

On furniture upholstery fabric, before you attempt to clean or remove any stain you must first read the cleaning code. Usually, it is a tag located underneath the cushion or below the furniture. If it says “W” it means you can only use water based solution on the fabric. The letters “WS” means you can either use water based solution or a solvent for cleaning.

 

 

 Where to Buy

 

I am a bit annoyed why it took me trying out several stain cleaners before discovering Kids n Pets. One possible reason is because it is quite a bit hard to find at the stores. Even then, they are located in places not easily noticed. I only got hold of one of this amazing product when a friend gave it as a present.

 

One consumer complained she had a hard time looking for Kids n Pets near their area. She noted that Costco had discontinued carrying the product on their shelves. Safeway and Target for some time had them in limited quantities but afterwards also discontinued carrying them, according to the consumer.

 

If you would like to purchase a Kids n Pets stain and odor remover, there is a store locator button on their website.  In there, you will know the store near your area where they are selling the product.

 

Important Features and Uses

 

Kids n Pets is a biodegradable and environment friendly solution. It is non toxic so you don’t have to worry a lot if your child or pet accidentally drank its content. It does not contain the harsh smell of bleach or the overbearing scent of fake perfumes.

 

 

Another interesting about this product is that you can use it as a laundry booster. Just pour in the appropriate amount in your washing machine like any other add – ons on your laundry.

 

Get a Free Rebate

 

If you’re not yet convinced and would like to try out Kids n Pets personally and FOR FREE log on your Facebook account and like Kids n Pets.  You will get a free bottle with a rebate.  Follow this link.




Doesn’t it feel good when the sky is clear and the sun shines brightly? Your instinct will tell you to go out of your house and relax on the porch or patio to take advantage of the fine weather condition. The perfect outdoor furniture for this kind of setting is the Adirondack chair.

 

Considered as an American classic, Adirondack chairs are originally made of wood which is used primarily outdoors. Wikipedia describes it as “a simple, rustic wooden chair for outdoor use”.  They are unique due to their unorthodox design of having a slanted back rest shaped like a fan with flat armrests that are spaced wide apart.

 

Origin of the Chair

 

The very first Adirondack chair was designed by Thomas Lee who was vacationing with his family at Westport, New York. His purpose was to make a chair that will be stable even on a slope. Their location then was along the Adirondack Mountains where the modern name of the furniture had been derived.

 

Mr. Lee commissioned a carpenter Harry Bunnell to put his design into reality. However, sensing a potential huge profit Bunnell applied and got a patent for the design without the knowledge of Mr. Lee. The unique design quickly became famous in the region.

 

 

Bunnell made other variations of the Adirondack. From a chair for the adults, he also experimented with child Adirondacks. Today, there are several types of Adirondack furniture which you can easily find whether at online or in brick and mortar stores.

 

Choice of Materials

 

The very first Adirondack chair was made of hemlock. During recent years though, the materials became varied. It could now come from other species of wood. They can even be made of plastic resin or composite wood. Fans of these chairs can choose from a variety of materials that would suit the surrounding where they intend to use the furniture.

 

The best material for Adirondack chair depends on how, when and where you will use it. Poly Lumber is polyethylene material made from recycled plastic such as milk jugs. It is high density and durable but expensive. Adirondack furniture made of polylumber is almost maintenance free.

 

 

The material which is more appropriate for patios and gardens are those made from wood especially cedar or cypress. These two types compared with other woods are the most durable and are weather resistant. They can be stained or painted for added protection. Some furniture makers say teak is also a good choice of material for outdoor furniture. But I would not recommend a teak Adirondack to be painted. Teak wood has oil that would not allow paint to adhere properly.

 

What People Say

 

The beauty of Adirondack chair combines both classical and comfortable design whether it is made of plastic or wood. Although in general, a plastic chair is relatively cheaper than wood, its life span is shorter. A majority of wood material, notably cedar, will last longer because they resist cracking or splitting. Cedar is a soft wood but has 80% the strength of oak.

 

 

Those who have already used Adirondack furniture mostly have nice things to say. One consumer review at amazon.com said he was so impressed at how well engineered the wooden chair he bought was for assembly. He found out it was very easy to put together.

 

World Market, a high end specialty import store noted the elegance of the lounge chairs when they placed a tag on every Adirondack chairs they are selling. It has a title “Why We Love It”. The full description of the tag reads: “A signature silhouette of outdoor living, our Antique-White Classic Adirondack Chair’s wide, slanted seat invites endless relaxation. Built for comfort, this chair provides a timeless look ideal for bringing classic design sensibility to your favorite outdoor hangout.”

The video below shows how to assemble a type of Adirondack chair.




Just like a car or a house, your furniture is an important investment. It must be cared for regularly, as much as possible, with proper maintenance to protect the original finish and appearance. But, however careful you are, one way or another, the furniture will wear and tear. When this happens you should know, even if a little bit, about repairing and restoration.

 

Repairing or restoring your furniture should not be so hard to do using the right tools and applying the appropriate techniques. In this post I will show you some tips and techniques on what to do when your furniture needs to be repaired. However, if the damage is quite complicated it would be better if allowed to be handled by professional restorers.

 

Cracks and Scratches

 

 

The most common problems that need furniture repair are cracks and scratches. These defects results when the finish on the wood surface loses its moisture overtime, and scratches appear due to everyday use. If the crack is not deep a simple, unorthodox solution is rubbing it with mayonnaise using your finger. Let it stay for a couple of days then wipe off the excess with a soft cloth. Spray on with furniture polish to hide the crack.

 

 

A conventional way will need a bit of extra work and which require materials like plastic card, wax stick and touch up pen. Firstly, the tone of your touch up pen must be compatible to the color of the wood finish. Rub the scratch or the crack with wax stick and wipe off any excess using the plastic card. Let it dry for a couple of hours. Finally, dab the waxed up cracks and scratches with the touch up pen or furniture repair marker.

 

A professional way of filling in the cracks of wood furniture whether it is big or small is by using putty. It can be oil-based, tinted or can be painted afterwards. Just make sure that the cracked surface is clean and dry before applying the putty.

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Wobbly Tables and Chairs

 

 

There are two reasons why a table or chair will wobble. It’s either the floor it is standing on is not level or one of the leg is smaller than the others. If the latter is the problem what you have to do is find out which of the legs is small, measure its length, then cut off or sand the other legs to the same length.

 

Other people may find it cumbersome if their table is too big and heavy to move around and flip over to adjust the legs. In some instances it is imperative to immediately find a solution to the problem right at the very moment. This is especially true in restaurants or cafes where sometimes a customer would complaint about wobbling table. A temporary remedy for this is to drive a shim beneath the leg where the wobbling occurs.

 

The common instinct done in restaurants to stabilize unbalance table is stuffing napkin or coasters underneath the leg. But there is a more eco-friendly, easy to use device other than the ones mentioned above. Wobble wedges make for a professional looking shim by easily slipping  it into the gap between the table leg or base and the floor. You can find this product on Amazon.com.

 

 

 Fabric Upholstery Tear

 

 

If the tear on your upholstery fabric is small it can be fixed by simply sewing the tear from the inside, or you can double back the torn area and stitch them together to finish the edge to prevent tattering. For types of cloth that is not possible to be sewed together you can use a fabric tape.

 

 

Cut a length of the tape approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) longer than the tear. Attach it on the inside of the fabric along the tear. Simultaneously, pull the two sides of the torn cloth together while activating the tape using heat. Make sure all the whole area have been thoroughly heated for the piece to bond together.

 

Here is a very short video showing a simple but unprofessional way of stopping a table from wobbling:

 

 







When we talk about bedrooms what comes foremost to our mind are taking a rest and going to sleep. It is also the part of the house where we get dressed and change clothes. For lovers, the bedroom is a sanctuary for romantic indulgences.

 

 

There are some other activities we do in the bedroom, but the place is different from other rooms in that its use is restricted only to its occupant. It is also the place where we keep our personal belongings. Sometimes there are extra paper works that were not finished at the office and needs to be done at home.

 

 

Because the bedroom is personal and private it is essential for the occupant to make it comfortable, harmonious and inviting as much as possible. When grooming your own room it isn’t really necessary to consider what visitors have to say. They will not be the ones who’ll spend time in your bedroom anyway.

 

 

So, your bedroom decorating ideas should conform to your own taste, interests and needs; not to that of others.

 

 

I have some tips and ideas that will serve as guides to make your bedroom a cozy place to be.

 

 

Make the Headboard as Focal Point

 

 

Most designers will agree that adding a headboard to the bed would serve as the focal point of the bedroom. I have discussed this in my previous post. You can read it here.

 

 

 

The importance of the headboard as a focal point is that it is where all the furniture and other objects in the room will be directed at. What it means is that the headboard will be the center of eye attention whenever you or a visitor will enter the room.

 

 

I would suggest that you choose a wood material as your headboard. I had noticed generally, that furniture made of wood has a refreshing look in the eye and has a calming feeling.

 

 

Apply Feng Shui in Furniture Placement

 

 

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that if applied in furniture placement will bring harmony and even good luck. The principle behind it is there are forces (or energies) in nature called chi which can either be good or bad. The way they affect your life depends on how they are utilized.

 

 

For example, the headboard should not be sharing the wall with the toilet. It will not induce the right balance of energy. It is also not right to position the head of your bed against the window. The cool breeze coming from the outside might affect your health.

 

 

The proper placement of your bedroom should be that its position is not directly in front of the door. This is called the feng shui in commanding position.To learn more about furniture placement according to feng shui you can read my previous post here.

 

 

Choice of Color

 

 

Choosing the appropriate color scheme for your bedroom will make an impact in your decorating project. If you prefer a muted color as the theme of your room, I would say it’s okay. Muted colors tend to induce a relaxed feeling. However, they should not become too bland lest you will be disgusted rather than relaxed.

 

 

For small size rooms it is better to apply light and natural colors. Emerald green, sky blue and white are the perfect colors. To make a uniform color scheme, the walls, flooring, curtains and bed sheets should conform to the basic theme.

 

 

 

Installing Windows Curtains

 

 

 

Installing window curtains add extra style and distinctive style to your bedroom decorating ideas. But many decorators pay little attention to this aspect. Some consider installing window curtains as finishing touches to their decoration project.

 

 

 

Bedroom curtains help keep away sunlight into your bedroom and give you some privacy from the outside. For these reasons it is wise to choose lined curtains. Lined curtains also have longer life and more enhanced look than unlined curtains. You can conveniently shop online for the curtains you want at amazon.com or at target.com.

 

 

The benefits of having bedroom curtains installed are:

 

● Controls the amount of sunlight entering your bedroom.

 

● Give you some privacy with a bit of style and romance.

 

● Creates a visual effect in your bedroom such as if you choose a curtain with vertical linings it will make a higher ceiling illusion in your room.

 

 

 

Selecting the Right Bed Sheets and Linens

 

 

The one element of the bedroom that requires scrutiny is the purchasing of bed linens. Picking the color of bed linens should be compatible with the overall color scheme of your bedroom.  Choosing a more natural tone of bed linens will achieve a modest elegance accompanied with a sense of peace in your bedroom.

 

 

The right choice of bed sheets are not only vital in decoration but in having a good sleep as well. Their color should mix with that of the comforter and the bedroom. The type of fabric must also be taken into consideration. There are several fabric varieties of bed sheets, from cotton to polyester and silk.

 

 

 

We spend one third of our life in bed, so we must make the most out of our relaxation in bed. Do not go for the bargain cheap bed sheets as it creates a false sense of economy. It will only give you itchy discomfort and unpleasant sleep environment. Instead go for relatively inexpensive luxury like the silk fabric type.

 

 

 





 

 

 

French polishing is an ancient art which dates back to Victorian times. It is usually done on antique furniture. Most guitars are also made of the same finish. The method used to apply the finish on the wood is by repeatedly rubbing a cotton pad containing shellac solution.  A very glossy, mirror like appearance is then achieved.

 

Because it is labor intensive French polishing was abandoned by many practitioners in the early 20th century. They shifted their practice to a faster and cheaper means of finishing like spray painting nitrocellulose lacquer. Others tried coarse buffing which means buffing with coarse components such as emery.

 

 

Advantages over Other Finishes

 

In spite of being labor intensive, French polishing has some advantages over other furniture finishing techniques. This method produces a sheen that cannot be equaled by mass production techniques. The colors of a French polish finish changes when viewed at different angles.

 

A thin shellac film applied to guitars via French polish will produce the clearest and most natural sound. It would be best to only FP coat the top and leave the sides and back to other finish such as polyurethane.

 

When a glass of water is left for a prolonged time on the surface of a polished furniture it will leave a white mark or water mark. One of the best solutions to remove this stain is through French polishing. This is done by filling up the microscopic holes created by the stain and applying a new coat on the area.

 

Another advantage of French polish over other finishes is that it does not require a big space or well ventilated area to work on. The materials to be used are neither toxic nor hazardous to warrant strict wearing of a face mask and gloves.

 

 

 

Materials Needed

 

Shellac flakes – This will be mixed with denatured alcohol to form a polishing solution.

Denatured alcohol – also called methylated spirits, will be the solvent to be mixed with shellac flakes.

Rubber gloves – will be used in holding and rubbing the polishing pad.

Linen cloth – will be used to cover the polishing pad.

Container – Where the mixed shellac flakes and alcohol will be stored.

Ground pumice stone – will be used to fill the grain and cut the polish.

Polishing pad – will be the holding material for rubbing the shellac on wood or surface to be polished.

Olive oil – Will act as a lubricant between the pad and the surface during the rubbing process.

Sandpaper – various grits of sanding paper are needed for smoothening and preparing the surface to polish.

Wool cloth – The type of cloth could be surgical gauze that will form the interior of the polishing pad.

 

 

 

How It’s Done

 

The process of French polish takes time and is characterized by repetitive rubbing motion. It should not be mistaken as a substance that is applied on wood but rather a technique used in finishing furniture.

 

Before doing the actual polishing, you must first sand the surface thoroughly with various grits of sandpaper beginning from a rough grit of 60 to a final smooth one of.320 grit. Sanding is important to the process and should not be by-passed. After each sanding of the wood with various grits of sandpaper wipe out the accumulated dust with a damp cloth. The final sanding should be wiped off with alcohol rather than a damp cloth.

 

After the sanding preparation, it’s now time to use the polishing pad which is made up of a small wad of wool containing the shellac solution. This wad of wool is then wrapped up in a linen cloth. Put a few drops of virgin oil into the bottom of the pad.

 

Rub the polishing pad onto the wood surface in a random circular motion. It will leave a very thin layer of coat with each pass. This is a lengthy process which may take up to hundreds of times rubbing the pad to the wood. Remove the excess oil that will come out to the surface of the first coating.

 

It is necessary to once in a while put a few drops of virgin oil on the bottom of the pad to avoid sticking of the pad to the surface. Do not let the pad become too dry. But you should also not let it get overloaded with oil. If there is too much oil in the pad it will move easily on the surface. However, no shellac is actually being applied.

 

The procedure I discussed here is just a summary of how a French polishing is done. If you want to learn the complete process I recommend you to read French Polishing: The Definitive Guide to Achieving a Perfect Finish on Wooden Furniture

 

Other Drawbacks

 

Aside from being time consuming and labor intensive, there are few other drawbacks French polish has over other types of finishes. A French polish finish applied thin and flexible is very good at producing quality sound in guitars. But compared with much harder and thicker lacquer finishes, it will easily be dented, scratched or even wear away with some minor physical or environmental abuse- even on furniture.

 

When French polished furniture comes in contact with water or alcohol for some time it will quickly leave a white mark after a few hours. However, it can be quickly repaired without much difficulty. A French polished finish is also brittle, so it will easily get chipped.

 

In the short video below French polisher Vijay Velji shows a sample preview of French polishing technique:

 

 

Working with lacquer to coat your furniture can be both easy and difficult. It is easy to apply but is less forgiving with regards to weather conditions. Humidity can cause problems to your project. If there are small imperfections in your work it will be very noticeable.

 

Lacquer dries quickly compared with most types of finishes on wood furniture. It adheres effectively on almost any kind of wood but is not recommended on mahogany and rosewood. These types of wood have a kind of oil that bleeds through the finish.

 

 

If you are not familiar with lacquer I would suggest not using a brush in applying it on your furniture. Use a spray gun instead. It is quite difficult to avoid imperfections when brushing with lacquer.

 

 

Types of Lacquer

 

 

Some people might think that when we talk of lacquer paint it only means one thing. The truth is there are three basic classes of lacquer. Each of this class has its own characteristics as well as downsides.

 

 

Nitrocellulose Lacquer

 

 

The type most used in woodworking nowadays is nitrocellulose. Several coatings of this lacquer will make your finish durable. The downside of nitrocellulose is that it is sensitive to ultra violet rays. When still wet, exposure to sunlight will result in blisters and bubbles on the surface. Another drawback is it has the tendency to turn yellow after some time so it is not advisable to apply on light colored wood.

 

 

CAB- Acrylic lacquer

 

 

As the name implies, it is made of acrylic resins. It this does not turn yellow but rather “watery white” after drying. Together with a vinyl sealer CAB-acrylic lacquer will bring out a deep luster quickly with just a couple of coats.

 

 

 

 

Catalyzed Lacquer

 

 

This type of lacquer has two versions namely, pre-catalyzed and post-catalyzed. The other two lacquer types cure by evaporation only. But catalyzed lacquer besides curing by evaporation also cures chemically. And because of the additional means of curing the resulting finish becomes very durable.

 

 

Applying Lacquer on Furniture

 

 

Make the necessary preparations before doing the actual work of whether you will spray paint your furniture or using a paint brush. Spread out some newspaper or drop cloth to protect your flooring from paint spills. Make sure the area is well ventilated.

 

 

If the furniture is new and had no prior finish use a 60-grit sandpaper to smoothen the rough surfaces. Wipe out the dust from sanding with a tack cloth and apply sealer. Shellac would be a good choice to seal the wood if it has an open grain. You can apply 2 or 3 coats using a spray gun and sand with a 320-grit sandpaper between applications.

 

 

After the preparation you can now put the finish. Before applying lacquer paint test by spraying or brushing on a piece of cardboard. (But as I have mentioned earlier, I would not recommend a brush if you are a newbie in brushing lacquer). This is to see how the pattern will look like on the wood, and then you can have the proper control to cover the surface.

 

 

When spraying, apply lacquer paint slowly, evenly and in several thin layers. Hold the spray gun or can perpendicularly as much as possible, about 17” away from the wood surface. This is to avoid “orange peel” on your work.

 

 

Troubleshooting Defects

 

 

Most problems that may arise when applying lacquer can be solved easily if you understand their characteristics. All types of lacquer are basically cellulose which is reduced to a liquid form by means of a solvent. So, a lacquer finish that hardens can be made soft again by adding more solvent.

 

 

Blushing

 

 

When water vapor condenses at the surface or under the finish while spraying, and as the paint dries, it causes a white cloudy appearance at that part of the finish. The solution would be to add a retarder to the thinner. The retarding agent causes the thinner to evaporate slowly, giving the moisture time to escape.

 

 

 

Orange Peel

 

 

Orange peel is a condition wherein the finish has several bumps resembling the surface of an orange fruit. This happens when the distance between the spray gun and the surface during the spraying is farther than the allowable gap. It can be remedied by spraying pure lacquer thinner on the affected part. The defect will be corrected as soon as the surface dries because of the emulsification.

 

 

 

 

Craters

 

 

Some defects need drastic action like stripping off the finish to remedy the situation. If craters develop on your finish stripping it would be the best option. Craters are formed when silicone is present in wood. Before re-spraying your furniture wipe down the wood with lacquer thinner and add a flowing agent to the lacquer paint to assist in leveling. An example of flowing agent is acrylic polymer.

 

Here is a video showing how to refinish wood furniture with lacquer:

 

Other topics you may be interested:

 

Spray Painting Your Furniture is Better Than Using Paint Brush

If You Love Refinishing Furniture But Hate Sanding Try Deglosser

The Secret to Spray Painting Without Sanding

How to Remove Lacquer or Shellac Finish on Wood




 




The beauty of knowing how to upholster furniture is that you have the power in your hands, of transforming any piece from a dull, worn look into a colorful and lively one. You simply cover the piece with some fabric that you like together with some stuffing and that’s it!

However, it is easier said than done. Doing upholstery is labor intensive, takes time and involves specialized skill. To learn the art needs some dedication with some supervision from an experienced upholsterer.

Man dressing up furniture

Here are some tips that you should know in “dressing up” the furniture that you would want to breathe life into:

 

 Fabric Selection

 

The first thing that you have to consider in upholstering your furniture is selecting the proper upholstery fabric. It is important to choose a fabric that is a good match for the use it will receive. If you have kids in your family it will not be a good idea to buy brocaded fabric. It will very likely to wear faster due to heavy use.

If you have furniture that is used more often the wise thing to do would be to buy a tightly woven fabric that can withstand the dust, grime and friction of daily use. Or you add a stain resistant to the fabric. While it is not a guarantee to make it waterproof, it will however, increase its longevity.

As with fabric resistant to pets, there is none I can’t think of to which dogs would avoid sleeping on. All dogs love any kind of fabric. But an acquaintance told me that cats don’t like mohair. He has a sofa upholstered with mohair and his cats stay off it.

 

Estimating the Yardage

 

After having decided on the type of fabric you will use it is equally important you estimate the amount of yardage needed to cover your furniture. The standard width of upholstery fabric is 54” (140cm). The “double wide” size (104”) is the other option but is not very common. Besides, there are not many choices of fabric you can make for this size.

If the type of fabric you will use has repeat pattern it should be noted that a factor of 20% must be included in the estimate. So, say for example your initial estimate is 10 yards, for a repeat pattern fabric the final yardage you have to order shall be 12 yards.

A more detailed discussion about fabric yardage estimate can be read on my previous post here. It also shows an estimator chart.

 

Cushions and Stuffing

 

The materials for making sofa cushion can either be down-and-feather or foam. There is a huge difference between the prices of these two materials. If you will use foam it would cost you about $80 while a down-and feather nowadays could go as high as $700.

In itself, a down-and feather cushion is very comfortable but the downside is it won’t hold its shape for long because it compresses quickly when you sit on it. On the other hand a foam cushion holds its shape even on repeated sitting.

The best solution therefore would be to make a cushion with the foam as its core and wrap it up with a down-and leather. By doing this your cushion will be soft and at the same time will keep its shape.

For pillow stuffing, the standard ratio must be 60% downs and 40% feathers. The percentage of feathers should not be too high. They might poke through your fabric. Some upholsterers use polyester or cotton in combination with feathers instead of downs.

putting the paddings, battings and other stuffing materials.

 

Upholstery Springs

 

The types of upholstery springs used in furniture are either coil spring or sinuous spring. They are commonly embedded on the seat body of sofas and chairs. They have gauges ranging from 8 to 11 on coil springs and 8 to 13 gauges for sinuous springs.

Installing coil spring on a seat requires tying them together by twine employing a 4 way knot system. Once they are tied together, the coil springs are then tied to the end, front and sides of the wood rails of the furniture. The twines are held up by evenly spaced tacks.

 

coil spring is more durable than using sinuous spring.

I consider coil spring as superior than sinuous spring. There are many evidences I have seen where coil springs outlived the chairs and couches on which they are installed. They are found mostly on antique and high end furniture.

 

You can shop for your upholstery materials online at amazon.com.

 

Below is a a video showing how to sew upholstery fabric:

 

Related posts you may like:

Beware of Fire Retardants on Your Furniture Upholstery

4 Inexpensive Ways to Reupholster Your Furniture

Steam Cleaning guide for Your Furniture Upholstery

How to Determine Fabric Yardage Needed for Your Furniture Upholstery





When it comes to coating your furniture spray painting has several advantages against a paint brush. If you want a professional finish look on your piece then you should use a spray can or spray gun. But this is not to take away any benefits one could get from using paint brushes. They are still an indispensable tool in painting furniture. And there are some people who are very good at using it.

 

 

 

 

Today, spraying paint is much preferred in furniture because it is fast and easy. I still make use of a brush though when staining a project prior to spraying the sealer to protect it. I also use a brush to apply a paint stripper on furniture in a refinishing project.

 

 

Spray Gun or Spray Can

 

 

There are two ways in which you can spray paint your furniture, by means of an aerosol spray can or a spray gun. Both of them are efficient in dispersing paint towards a target surface. However, there is an economic factor and functionality to be considered in choosing one or the other.

 

 

Spray guns are used in combination with an air compressor. They are connected together with a hose and are more appropriate for use on large pieces of furniture like sofas, headboards or doors. For contractors and shops doing painting services, a compressor/spray gun combo are a must have equipment.

 

 

Spray cans or aerosol spray cans are portable and easier to handle. They are cheaper but are advisable only for painting small size furniture such as stools, nightstands and the like. Spray cans are also convenient for painting metal objects and home decors.

 

Did you know that there is a way to skip the sanding process in spray painting your furniture?

 

 

Faster and More Coverage

 

 

Compared with a paint brush using a spray gun is a lot faster. If you are new in handling a spray gun it wouldn’t take much time before you can properly maneuver it. You can learn a few tips when you read my previous post here.  Once you’ve known the techniques, your work should be finished in about half the time as it would take with a paint brush.

 

A spray can will be even faster than a spray gun because you won’t have the trouble of setting up the compressor and mixing the paint. All you have to do is spray it away. (That’s why those who write graffiti on the wall love it).

 

 

Spray painting will easily cover every nooks and crannies of your furniture because of the small particles emitted. The inner crevices on your piece could be hard to reach if a paint brush will be used.

 

 

Smooth Even Finish

 

 

Painting with a brush more often results in brush marks and drips especially when the user is not very careful. But with a spray gun this drips are avoided and there will be no marks. You are ensured of a smooth and even finish on your furniture.

 

 

In order to achieve a fine even coat you should have to do some preparatory work like sanding and coating a primer. Priming and sanding will make the paint cling tight to the surface.This procedure is also true if you want to use a brush.

 

 

If you will be painting outdoors choose a type of paint that has protection from sunlight and is resistant to moisture. Exposure to heat will cause the paint to break up. It would be better if you have a ready built paint booth in your back yard.

 

 

Spray Paint Dries Quicker

 

 

Another advantage of spray painting over paint brush is that the paint dries quickly when sprayed. The reason for this is the uniform distribution of paint particles. If you want a faster drying time spray a few light coats rather than 1 or 2 thick coats. To prevent drips you must allow the paint to dry before dispersing another coat.

 

 

The drying time of paint really depends upon its type, but generally almost all types of paint completely dries within 30 minutes. However, lacquer paint my last up to 24 hours. Most manufacturers specify the drying time of their paint at the back of the can.

 

Below is a video about an amazing new spray paint that can be applied on all type of surfaces:





Do you have antique furniture at home you want to assess for its value? You will be surprised it’s not really that hard to know. However, it might take you actually some time of researching to do. And even then, it does not actually guarantee that you could sell your antique with the determined price.

 

 

Or maybe you just want to have your piece insured. You have realized it is necessary because in case it got lost, burned or stolen, at least you have the guarantee of reimbursement. However, most insurance companies require a written appraisal  from a certified appraiser before allowing to insure your item.

 

 

There are several factors that will determine the market value of your antique furniture. It is not within your sole power to dictate how much it is worth, unless the buyer is so desperate he would be willing to pay a hefty price just to own your furniture.

 

 

What is Valuable

 

 

The final value of your piece is negotiated between you and the person who wants to buy the furniture. In an auction, the true value of antique furniture or any item for that matter rests on the highest bidder. The buyer who gives the biggest offer gets the item.

 

 

But to be really valuable, an art deco antique furniture for example, must be rare and at the same time a lot of people are looking for it. The higher the demand and the scarcer the items, the more valuable it will be. Being hard to find but not many people want it does not guarantee a valuable item. Vice versa, if many people are looking for it but the piece can be found in a lot of places, also does not equate as being precious.

 

 

 

 

It is interesting to note that not all antiques can be considered valuable, meaning priceless or precious. There are 5 factors that make an antique valuable.

 

 

Before You Search

 

 

There are several ways and places where you can determine the estimated value of your antique furniture. But before you begin your search it is best to take a note on everything you know about your piece – from the manufacturer, patent number, type of materials, date of manufacture and other info.

 

 

It is only common sense that you should look for the antique furniture which is similar to the one you  have in possession, and also which is being sold  at the current price. One important thing you must take into account when you see furniture which is very similar to yours is that they may not be of the same price value. Yours may be lower or higher depending on some factors.

 

 

Your antique furniture may not be of the same value to a very similar one on the market because of one of the following:

 

 

1.) It is only a reproduction. Many furniture manufacturers today are making replicas of high priced and famous furniture of old eras because they can make a huge profit from it.

 

2.) Both furniture are authentic but yours is not in good condition. Cracks, damages and evidence of even minor restoration can make a big dent in value.

 

3.) One of the furniture was made in a later era. Although two similar antiques may be genuine, their price value decreases as the difference of the date they were made increases.

 

 

 

 

Where to Search

 

 

As I have mentioned above you can evaluate the value of antique furniture in several ways and in certain places. It is important to understand how each of them work and you should know their limitations.

 

 

Price Guides

 

 

By taking a trip to a local bookstore you can browse for materials about antiques and check out their price guides. This could help in getting an idea on the estimated value of your piece. However, most prices listed in these guides are items which are in perfect condition without any damage.

 

 

 

 

Online Look Up

 

 

Another place to look up is through the Internet. Several websites have large databases where you can search for the price guides of a lot of antique pieces. The information on these sites comes from sale prices of different antiques from around the world.

 

 

Kovels is the most popular site to look up the value of your antique furniture online. It is free to register to have access to their unique list of more than 900,000 prices for antiques sold in the US, Canada and Europe.

 

 

At sears.com they have some catalogues of extremely rare antiques including antique furniture. You may want to try them.

 

 

 

 

Antique Shops and Auctions

 

 

A great deal of information can be acquired by visiting antique stores and antique auction houses. Although they may not offer valuation services, you can still get a fair estimate of your piece by perusing similar items on display at a shop or being bid on at the auction.

 

 

Get an Appraisal

 

 

Hiring a professional appraiser may be the best way to get your piece estimate at the highest retail value. But getting their services can be quite costly too. Some appraisers are paid by the hour. You might end up paying more for the appraisal than its actual value if your antique is not really that precious.

 

To give some additional look up information for your antique furniture watch the video below:

An outdoor bar patio is a must for individuals who regularly hold social gatherings and want to make sure that their guests will have a grand time. For this reason, they should make it a point to purchase outdoor bar furniture that is suitable for their needs.

 

Those who already have the mentioned furnishings know that the said commodities are essential for those who frequently hold social gatherings and want to utilize their outdoor areas. With outdoor bar furniture, guests and loved ones can enjoy any social gathering even when warm weather strikes.

 

 

 

 

It should be remembered though that outdoor bar furniture are quite expensive and finding the right one is essential for those who want to save some cash along the way. This can be simplified if the tips and pointers below will be taken into consideration.

 

 

Check Out the Fundamental Attributes

 

 

When buying outdoor bar furniture, it would be best to zero in on the basic things because such precautionary measure can go a very long way in terms of making sure that the purchased units will last for a long time.

 

 

Is the finishing on both sides waterproof? Can they withstand rain, strong winds, and other weather elements? Are the components compatible with other home furniture? Can the furnishings be used indoors? Will they complement any kind of existing theme?

 

 

Answering these said questions thoroughly can help find the right furniture that will complement certain preferences and needs.

 

 

 

 

Examine Outdoor Bar Furniture Selection

 

 

In general, the selections that is out on the market come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, piece sets, and colours, among others. Piece sets are the precise number of chairs and other decorative components that are pre-packaged together. Some of the most common sets that can be purchased come with one bar table and four to six bar chairs.

 

 

Additionally, some piece sets do not come with bar chairs but come with bar stools that save up more space. Those who purchase complete outdoor bar furniture may also obtain bonus furnishings like suspended racks that are essential in keeping glasses and other bar accessories.

 

 

Some more expensive sets come with bar cabinets that are used to store alcoholic beverages and other drinks. Those with unlimited funding should opt for them because they can hold parties without ever worrying about cold drinks.

 

 

Review Set Up and Maintenance Procedures

 

 

Getting acquainted with assembly techniques is essential so as to determine if professional help should be employed to set up the purchased outdoor bar furniture. This aspect is most true for those who will host an impromptu party and the necessary tools are not available.

 

 

Lastly, the maintenance procedures should also be reviewed. Some outdoor furniture can be damaged by certain cleaning materials. For this reason, those who want to make sure that their furnishing will maintain their tip-top condition should not neglect this facet.

 

Conclusion

 

 

Getting a hold of the right outdoor furniture is easy if interested individuals will do their “homework” and focus on a couple of things.By doing this, they can easily obtain furnishings that will spice up social gatherings and enhance the ambiance of their outdoor area. Such benefit is essential for those who want to make sure that their guests will enjoy every event that they will hold.

 

 

Note: This is a guest post from Kylie Elcano

 

 

Below is a video showing tips and tricks on how to set up an outdoor furniture into a unique bar for your guests: