Get matched with top furniture refinishers in New Castle, VA

Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years.

Wood furniture is usually vulnerable to water damage. However, larger furniture tends to have a high chance of being salvaged as long as it hasn’t been standing in water for more than 24 hours. You can restore bedpoles, table and couch legs, and other wood parts that haven’t been fully saturated. Meanwhile, smaller objects like decors or furniture with fabric wrapping may require full replacement.

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.

Yes, it can be worth it to refinish furniture, especially if it’s a piece with sentimental value or an antique piece that’s irreplaceable. If you have an older piece of furniture but want to upgrade its look or feel, refinishing is a great way to refresh it to enjoy for many years. When determining whether it’s worth the cost to refinish a furniture item, calculate the price of buying a new, similar piece and compare that to quotes from local furniture refinishing services.