Techniques for Updating Old Wood Furniture

Repair Minor Blemishes

• If a wooden table has been gently used, you may want to retain its natural finish. Thoroughly clean the wooden surface with trisodium phosphate (TSP). This compound will remove grit and grime without harming the finish. Minimize minor scratches with special wood touch-up crayons that match the color of your finish. Almond oil sticks can also camouflage scratches. Remove the hardware. If the condition is good, polish the metal and replace it. If hardware is very worn, fit the piece with contemporary drawer pulls and knobs. If your table is an antique, speak to an antiques dealer before you alter your furniture.

Paint

• A simple coat of paint will transform a piece of wooden furniture that reflects hard wear. Lightly sand the surface so the paint will adhere. A brand of paint that has the primer already mixed into it will give you excellent coverage. Apply one or two coats as needed. Black paint will instantly convert a piece into a contemporary accent. White will brighten any room and will be a refreshing accent for cottage or country decor. Create a cohesive look with color that reflects the palette you have chosen for the room's decor. Complete the updated look with new hardware.

Artistic Touches

• Highlight a table, chair or dresser with artistic designs to create a focal piece for your room. Paint a checkerboard pattern or geometric shapes on drawer fronts or table tops. Add painted swirls or polka dots with your paintbrush. Simple flowers can be rendered with basic brush strokes. Geometric patterns create a contemporary look, while flowers complement traditional or cottage decor. Paint wooden drawer pulls to coordinate with your design.

Embellishments

• Paint is not the only option to hide a blemished surface. Cover the top of your table and drawer fronts with prepasted wallpaper. You can also cut figures from wrapping paper and decoupage them onto painted surfaces. Paint the wrong side of the cut-outs with white artist's acrylic paint. Brush the painted side of the paper with diluted white craft glue. Position it onto the wooden surface and smooth the paper. Coat the dried paper with several layers of the glue mixture to seal it. Mosaic tiles add a decorative touch to table tops. Arrange commercial tiles or pieces of broken china on your table top. Glue them into place. Spread grout to fill the spaces between the tiles and then wipe the surface clean with a wet cloth. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Dining Room Chairs

• Renew a dining room chair with paint and a piece of fabric. The chair may be scratched and worn with stained upholstered seats, but it is possible to make it look bright and fresh again. Remove the seat. Unscrew the four screws on the underside of the seat and lift off its frame. Remove the old stapled fabric. Cut a square of fabric that is large enough to smooth over the top of the seat. Pull the cut edges under the seat and staple them with a power stapler to the underside. Paint the chair a color that coordinates with the fabric. Replace the seat and enjoy your "new" chair.