How to Refinish Vintage and Modern Contemporary Wood Furniture

Modern wood furniture began after the Victorian period. Modern furniture combined elements of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Cubism and Futurism. Modern wood furniture differed from the hand-crafted furniture of the past. With the Industrial Revolution and factory production, factories were able to mass produce furniture at a quicker pace, giving furniture makers the freedom to be experimental in design as demand increased for the new styles. Newer modern furniture is called Modern contemporary furniture.

To be properly refinished, modern wood furniture must first be re-sanded. Take 320 grit sand paper, or use an electric sander. Put on a safety mask to prevent the inhalation of dust particles while sanding. Wear tight fitting disposable plastic or cotton gloves to protect skin from blisters. Use the type of cotton gloves made for gardening. Sand the furniture evenly and in the direction of the grain. Sand hard-to-reach sections or intricately shaped parts on modern wood furniture by hand with sand paper. Remove wood dust with a clean paint brush.

Repair cracks or splits in modern wood furniture with wood sealant. Re-glue lifted sections of modern furniture with wood glue. Apply the glue to the crack in the wood, and press the lifted section back into place. Let glue and wood sealant dry, and gently re-sand with 150 grit sand paper once dry.

Repair veneer on modern furniture surfaces in the same way, or by adding a new surface layer of veneer with contact cement. Make sure to line up the veneer evenly to the surface when repairing late modern period table tops, for once the contact cement touches, it will bond instantly. Seal the edges of a newly veneered modern table top with a wood sealant, or varnish.

Fix broken legs made from wood on modern vintage or modern contemporary furniture by using epoxy filler made for wood. Ready the epoxy filler and follow manufacturer instructions. Apply with a small putty knife, being careful when removing excess from the surface before it fully dries. Use wood glue to re-glue modern table legs or chairs back into place. First sand the joint with the 320 grit sand paper to remove old glue before filling with new glue, and reattach the leg back into place. Let fully dry before staining or painting.

Stain furniture in the color of the wood. If painting furniture, choose latex enamel paint in the color of your choice. Use a semi-gloss paint for shine. Prime the wood first before painting. Apply two coats of clear varnish after staining or painting modern wood furniture. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second coat.

Resources:

http://www.moderncontemporaryfurniture.com/

http://www.homefurnish.com/bedbathstorage/bedroomfurniture/woodcare.aspx

http://video.bobvila.com/m/21315293/repairing-furniture.htm