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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.

It can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes for wood filler to dry, but some products take up to four hours. Always read labels to ensure you're following the manufacturer’s instructions. Water-based wood fillers typically take longer to dry than oil-based or epoxy-wood fillers, especially when applied to large areas or deep cracks. Wood putty won’t dry completely, remaining slightly pliable.

Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it’s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.

Furniture restoration involves cleaning and minor cosmetic repairs to restore a piece of furniture to its original condition or as close to it as possible. In some cases, restoration may involve refinishing, but the end goal is still to make the furniture look like it did when it was brand-new. Refinishing furniture involves stripping and sanding away the existing finish and then applying a new finish like polyurethane, which may make the item look quite different from the original condition.