5 Easy Steps On How To Refinish A Wooden Rocking Chair

Learning how to refinish a wooden rocking chair is essential for preserving your antiques. It will wear out together with time, and you will have to learn how to fix it. Initially, you need to inspect the old wooden chair, proceed to typical preparations, and finally apply the varnish.

Preserve your memories from grandparents by keeping their precious legacy. There is no need to imagine a blast from the past; you can do it at your convenience. It is as easy as five steps.

how to refinish a wooden rocking chair

Get your tools ready, your reminiscing mind, and your work jeans up top!

 

When’s The Best Time To Revamp Your Rocking Chair?

Wooden rocking chairs are built to withstand harsh conditions. However, it depends on what it was made of.

It can vary depending on what type of tree it was manufactured. Well, you will need to consider factors that caused deterioration for the poor thing.

Sturdy wood such as oak, cedar, and wicker can last a lifetime. On most occasions, the chair can decrease its lifespan if exposed to ultraviolet rays or any rain residue.

The best time to refinish your rocking chair is when it has mostly lost its prime. Worn-off paint, swaying legs, and dull color are signs that you should refinish your wooden rocking chair. However, worry not, once you have accomplished the process, your chair will be good as new!

 

Steps On How to Refurbish A Wooden Rocking Chair 

 

Step #1. Basic structural repairs

The best endings of procedures should start with planning ahead. First, you need to assess the damage in the chair. See if the chair is durable enough to hold a person.

Next, shake it sideways to reveal its sturdiness. If it sways, then you might need to bring out your industrial glue.

Hold the joints as closely as you can. You can drip in the adhesive. Let it dry for about a few hours under the sun.

Then, you will need to drill holes and connect the weak parts of the wooden antique.

 

Step #2. Remove hazards 

This next step is essential for your safety. A nail sticking out of the frame can cause serious injuries such as tetanus. So, keep an eye for possible haphazard flaws.

If you see a rusty nail, hold your hammer at a 45-degree angle across the pin. Pull it out with blunt force.

Wooden rocking chairs are relatively all right. However, another narrative sneaks in when we talk about infants.

This step is quite laborious than the first one, but hey — better safe than sorry!

 

Step #3. Sand it down

What is more satisfying than removing dirty streaks of paint and renewing it to a blank canvass? There are two fun ways of stripping down your wooden rocking chair of old paint.

A handy-dandy paint scraper will be your friend on the first step of sanding your chair. Then, we proceed to grab our sandpaper by hand. Your palms are the best tools if the chair has not worn down that much.

On the other hand, resort to an electric sander if you wish for a swift course of action. This will be the best equipment if you are in a hurry.

 

Step #4. Apply first coat of varnish 

Now we paint, but first, examine the age of the wooden rocking chair so you can choose between oil-based or water-based primers.

Water-based products are normally used for new set-ups and minor repairs. Meanwhile, oil-based primers are used for heavier work preparations for doors, cabinets, windows, and chairs.

The enamel in the oil-based products defends the wood more efficiently than its water-based counterpart. Remember to put on protective clothing because varnish fumes can harm your health.

 

Step #5. Add another layer of finish 

You are nearly done! Now, this step is the simplest of all. You will need to repaint another layer of varnish to ensure its rigidity.

For the painting proper, make sure that the coat is even. You do not want it to be prone to openings where the wooden rocking chair can seep moisture.

Finally, let it out in an open area where it can fully dry.

 

How To Make Your Wooden Rocking Chair Last Ages 

Exposure to extreme weather conditions will affect your chair’s lifespan. Putting it outside your home can corrupt it too, whereas chairs inside the house can only battle dust.

Covering your chair can really help extend its life. It is straightforward, so you can prevent the build-up of bugs, dust, and grime. Investing in chair covers is a big save for you instead of stressing out where to buy a new chair.

Cleaning your chair regularly is an obvious chore but is helpful. You may want to vacuum it occasionally.

 

Conclusion

Refinishing skills require a whole lot of patience. It rests assured that you possess this to bring nook and cranny items from the past to this day with a more fantastic look.

Take a trip down the memory lane as soon as you learn how to refinish a wooden rocking chair! Just make sure to follow the step-by-step guide, and you are all good.

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