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It is possible to refinish your own furniture, but it’s usually a good idea to leave the work to the professionals. Furniture refinishing often requires the use of paint stripper or solvents to remove existing finish, which can be dangerous to inhale. Additionally, it’s easy to make mistakes during the process that could permanently damage your piece, limiting its lifespan instead of extending it. Hiring a furniture refinishing professional is especially worthwhile for antique furniture, which often requires more delicate refinishing work.

Yes, in most cases it’s a good idea to wrap furniture in plastic to protect it from dirt, dust, and damage during storage. However, natural and porous materials such as wood or leather should have breathable fabric covers to prevent moisture damage from condensation. Either way, it’s always important to ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, especially in humid climates. 

If you recently splashed paint on the wrong area of a wooden object, remove it with a solvent or caustic paint stripper. Some paint that has yet to dry may be removable by hand with coarse sandpaper or a plastic scraper. Another trick for removing dried-on paint is rubbing a dab of nail polish remover on the paint to remove it, but avoid touching the bare wood surface.

Avoid using wood filler for structural repairs or areas with extensive damage. Wood filler is designed for cosmetic fixes like filling small holes, cracks, or surface imperfections, and it doesn't provide the strength needed for load-bearing repairs or large gaps. You also shouldn’t use wood filler in areas exposed to heavy moisture or extreme outdoor conditions unless it’s a product specifically rated for such environments. Wood replacement or a strong epoxy resin is a better solution for severe rot or structural damage.