Wood restoration – where to begin and what should we use to finish furniture?

When we talk about restoration, wood is usually the first material that comes to mind. Yet almost anything can be restored – leather, upholstery, metal, and even plastic. I have, however, worked mainly with wood for many years, and this is the material I know best.

Many people believe that restoring a piece of furniture simply means sanding it down and applying a new finish. In practice, this is only a small part of the entire process. The most important question is: what was the piece finished with before? What is its history? What is valuable about it, and which elements require the greatest care?

And it is the answers to these questions that determine which materials we can use and whether the new finish will last.

Every piece of furniture has its own unique history

On furniture made over the past two or three centuries, we will most often find three types of finish: oils, waxes, and shellac polish. In the 20th century, lacquers joined this list – and today they are the most widely used solution.

Recognising the original finish is extremely important. Not all materials work well together. Sometimes wood has absorbed so much wax or oil over the years that sanding alone is simply not enough. It must also be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Otherwise, the new coating may begin to peel or separate from the surface.

Damaged surfaces and lifting veneer

Oil – the natural appearance of wood

Oil is one of the oldest ways of protecting wood. And it remains extremely popular, particularly when it comes to Scandinavian furniture and Danish design.

Its greatest advantage is the natural appearance it gives the surface. Oil does not create a thick layer on top of the wood. Instead, it brings out the grain and leaves the pores open. As a result, the furniture looks warm and refined.

Today’s oils often contain additional hardeners. A good example is Danish Oil – a mixture of natural oils and modern resins that offers greater durability than traditional oils.

Another great advantage is how easy an oiled surface is to restore later. If signs of use appear after a few years, it is usually enough to sand the surface lightly and apply another coat.

The only disadvantage is the distinctive smell during application, which may remain for quite some time after the work has been completed. Some oils need as long as 72 hours to cure fully – and their characteristic odour may be noticeable throughout that period.

Wax – a beautiful but very delicate surface

Wax is another classic wood finish. It leaves the surface looking very natural and is exceptionally pleasant to work with. It is easy to apply, smells wonderful, and gives the furniture greater depth almost immediately.

There are carnauba-based waxes, beeswaxes, and modern mixtures containing synthetic hardeners. Waxes used on floors can be surprisingly resistant – mainly because they contain a large amount of chemical hardeners. Traditional natural waxes, however, offer rather delicate protection.

But there is one important thing to remember: wax leaves a greasy layer. If we later want to apply lacquer, the wood must first be cleaned and degreased extremely thoroughly. Otherwise, the new coating may not bond with the surface.

This is why wax works well with oils, but can become problematic when combined with lacquers.

Shellac polish – the queen of classical furniture

In the world of restoration, it is difficult to find a more elegant finish than shellac polish. It is shellac that gives many antique pieces their deep, distinctive shine.

Shellac is a natural material obtained from the secretion of small insects living in Asia. Applying shellac polish takes experience and patience – but the result can be spectacular.

If we are restoring a valuable historical piece, it is worth preserving the original finishing technique. This way, the furniture not only retains its authentic appearance, but also its value.

And, just as with wax, a surface previously finished with shellac must be cleaned extremely thoroughly before a modern lacquer is applied.

Lacquers – convenience and durability

Modern lacquers appeared in the furniture industry during the first half of the 20th century and quickly revolutionised the way furniture was finished.

Today, lacquer is the most resistant solution. It protects wood effectively against water, high temperatures, and the effects of everyday use. This is why it works particularly well on dining tables, coffee tables, bedside cabinets, and shelving units.

For many years, lacquer was associated with a thick, glossy coating that looked almost like plastic. Today, however, the situation is very different. Modern technologies allow us to achieve a highly natural effect – similar to that of oiled wood – while providing considerably greater durability.

I do not always recommend lacquer for antiques or iconic pieces of designer furniture, where preserving the original character is particularly important. But when it comes to furniture made for everyday use, I increasingly believe it is the best choice. 

There is no single perfect finish

Every method has its advantages and limitations. Oil offers a natural appearance and makes future restoration relatively simple. Wax is easy and pleasant to apply and gives wood an exceptionally warm appearance, but it requires proper care. Shellac polish remains a symbol of classical elegance, although applying it is very difficult. Lacquer, on the other hand, offers the greatest durability.

The most important point, however, is something else. Before we begin restoring a piece of furniture, we should understand how it was finished in the past. Good restoration is not about simply applying a new layer. It is about respecting the history of the piece and choosing a technique that will work with it.

Adam Krzemiński – CEO

Adam Krzemiński graduated with a degree in law, but his passion for archaeology led him to the discovery and restoration of furniture, which he treats as historical artifacts. He began by restoring antiques in Europe and the United States, but soon focused his attention on 20th-century pieces. In 2014, he founded Futureantiques—a company specializing in mid-century modern furniture and lighting. To date, items from the Futureantiques collection have found new homes with clients in over 27 countries, 400 cities, and across four continents.