Get matched with top furniture refinishers in Heber, CA

Ongoing maintenance of your leather furniture is the only way to prevent it from peeling and cracking. Real leather will peel and crack as it dries out. Leather conditioners are a great way to protect your leather furniture from drying out, and you’ll need to apply it about twice each year. It’s also a good idea to keep abrasive materials away from your leather to prevent cracking and peeling, including belt buckles, shoes, and multi-surface cleaners, especially those that contain alcohol.

When browsing the hardware store, you may wonder about wood putty versus wood filler. Wood putty is made with plastic adhesive, whereas wood filler is made from sawdust or wood products. 

The main difference is that people use wood filler to fix the interior portions of wood. Wood putty contains chemicals that could damage the inside of wood, so it's best for exterior sections. If the crack or hole goes into the middle of the lumber, it's the right product for the job.

Telling the difference between high-quality wood furniture and lower-quality pieces is challenging, but there are a few sign that indicate whether your furniture is worth repairing:

• Push your fingernail into an inconspicuous section of the wood. If it doesn’t leave a dent, it’s likely hardwood and is well worth a repair.

• Unzip the bottom of couches to look for the structural components. If they’re made of wood rather than particle board, it’s likely worth refinishing.

• Ask a local furniture repair technician. A reputable professional will let you know if you’re better off replacing rather than refinishing your specific item.

Yes, refinishing can decrease or even diminish the value of antique furniture, as most collectors look for original finishes to maintain the piece’s historical integrity. Learning how to clean antique wood and carefully restore the finish without stripping it is the best way to maintain the piece’s original value. Either way, it’s best to take it to a professional furniture refinishing and restoration expert rather than attempting a DIY restoration.