At Brendan Carpenter Handmade Fine
Furniture we create unique individual
pieces of furniture using only the finest
materials and highest quality
construction methods.
Working in conjunction with our clients
we design specific, distinctive pieces
that meet their individual taste and
needs.
Please take a few moments and review
our galleries. We hope you enjoy the
work samples and gain an appreciation
for our love of furniture.
Lastly, we provide furniture restoration
and repair services. If your special
piece is in need of repair or if you just
want to bring it "back to life" by
touching up or completely refinishing,
we offer a full range of professional
restoration services.
Furniture we create unique individual
pieces of furniture using only the finest
materials and highest quality
construction methods.
Working in conjunction with our clients
we design specific, distinctive pieces
that meet their individual taste and
needs.
Please take a few moments and review
our galleries. We hope you enjoy the
work samples and gain an appreciation
for our love of furniture.
Lastly, we provide furniture restoration
and repair services. If your special
piece is in need of repair or if you just
want to bring it "back to life" by
touching up or completely refinishing,
we offer a full range of professional
restoration services.
| Brendan Carpenter Handmade Fine Furniture & Restoration |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Brendan Carpenter Handmade Fine Furniture & Restoration, Greenville, SC Phone 864-373-1759 Email: brendan@brendancarpenter.com |
| Material Copyright Protected |
Me in the shop.......
| We refinish doors and entrances too! Look in the Galleries... |
From time to time we post copies of interesting articles that we come across. Hope you enjoy and please look up the author for more their work.
Furniture Refinishing Tips
Transform Old Furniture into New
Oct 13, 2009 Sarabeth Asaff
Whether salvaging an antique dresser, or bringing new life to patio furniture, refinishing and painting furniture is something even the most novice
do-it-yourselfer can accomplish. Follow these tips to help make the process smoother, easier and faster.
Gather Supplies
Before beginning, make sure that everything needed is right at hand. This will include the paint or varnish stripper; try using a thicker, gel like stripper,
rather than the thinner more liquid variety, as it will get into grooves and crevices easier. Be sure to have a paint brush for applying the stripper, as well
as two or three sizes of foam paint brushes, to use in removing the old paint or varnish from hard to reach areas. Rubber gloves, a paint scraper with a
flat and curved edge, a drop cloth and bucket of water will also be needed for the paint or varnish removal.
For the next steps after removing the old finish, sand paper of at least two different grades will be needed, one for removing deep scratches and one
for smoothing the finish. A second paint brush will be needed for applying the new finish, as well as the new paint or stain. Wood putty, and new
hinges and knobs can be used as well if so desired.
Getting Started
Begin by removing any hardware from the furniture, such as knobs, pulls and hinges. Be sure to apply the furniture stripping agent either outdoors, or in
a well ventilated room. Protect hands with the rubber gloves, and the ground from potential drips with the drop cloth. Apply the stripping agent in a
thick layer, being sure to work it well into any cracks, grooves and crevices, and allow it to sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
Use the paint scrapper to remove the stripping agent with the old paint or varnish. The edge of a foam brush works well for getting into cracks and
crevices the scrapper may miss. For particularly tight or stubborn cracks, try using a church key or tooth pick to remove the old paint.
Refinishing and Painting Furniture
Once the old finish has been removed, and the furniture is dry, begin sanding the surface. Start with the coarser of the two grades and work in a
circular motion to remove scratches and any paint the stripping agent missed. Smooth the second, finer grade of sand paper over the surface next,
using a light touch to prepare the surface for the new finish.
If using new pulls or knobs in a different size than those previously installed, fill the old holes with wood putty and sand the surface to match the
surrounding depth before drilling new ones. Allow the putty to dry thoroughly before applying the new finish.
Apply the new finish in smooth, even strokes, taking care to avoid drips. Let the paint or varnish dry thoroughly before applying a second coat. If drips
have occurred, sand them down lightly before applying the final coat.
Add new knobs, pulls and hinges at this time to finalize the look.
Deep gouges can be repaired with wood putty prior to sanding, but take care to leave decorative work for a craftsman to repair. For a truly unique look,
try some faux finishes or stencils to bring a new decorative element to the project. Work carefully and safely and continue to enjoy the old furniture for
many more years to come.
Furniture Refinishing Tips
Transform Old Furniture into New
Oct 13, 2009 Sarabeth Asaff
Whether salvaging an antique dresser, or bringing new life to patio furniture, refinishing and painting furniture is something even the most novice
do-it-yourselfer can accomplish. Follow these tips to help make the process smoother, easier and faster.
Gather Supplies
Before beginning, make sure that everything needed is right at hand. This will include the paint or varnish stripper; try using a thicker, gel like stripper,
rather than the thinner more liquid variety, as it will get into grooves and crevices easier. Be sure to have a paint brush for applying the stripper, as well
as two or three sizes of foam paint brushes, to use in removing the old paint or varnish from hard to reach areas. Rubber gloves, a paint scraper with a
flat and curved edge, a drop cloth and bucket of water will also be needed for the paint or varnish removal.
For the next steps after removing the old finish, sand paper of at least two different grades will be needed, one for removing deep scratches and one
for smoothing the finish. A second paint brush will be needed for applying the new finish, as well as the new paint or stain. Wood putty, and new
hinges and knobs can be used as well if so desired.
Getting Started
Begin by removing any hardware from the furniture, such as knobs, pulls and hinges. Be sure to apply the furniture stripping agent either outdoors, or in
a well ventilated room. Protect hands with the rubber gloves, and the ground from potential drips with the drop cloth. Apply the stripping agent in a
thick layer, being sure to work it well into any cracks, grooves and crevices, and allow it to sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
Use the paint scrapper to remove the stripping agent with the old paint or varnish. The edge of a foam brush works well for getting into cracks and
crevices the scrapper may miss. For particularly tight or stubborn cracks, try using a church key or tooth pick to remove the old paint.
Refinishing and Painting Furniture
Once the old finish has been removed, and the furniture is dry, begin sanding the surface. Start with the coarser of the two grades and work in a
circular motion to remove scratches and any paint the stripping agent missed. Smooth the second, finer grade of sand paper over the surface next,
using a light touch to prepare the surface for the new finish.
If using new pulls or knobs in a different size than those previously installed, fill the old holes with wood putty and sand the surface to match the
surrounding depth before drilling new ones. Allow the putty to dry thoroughly before applying the new finish.
Apply the new finish in smooth, even strokes, taking care to avoid drips. Let the paint or varnish dry thoroughly before applying a second coat. If drips
have occurred, sand them down lightly before applying the final coat.
Add new knobs, pulls and hinges at this time to finalize the look.
Deep gouges can be repaired with wood putty prior to sanding, but take care to leave decorative work for a craftsman to repair. For a truly unique look,
try some faux finishes or stencils to bring a new decorative element to the project. Work carefully and safely and continue to enjoy the old furniture for
many more years to come.