How to Restore Syroco Wood

Pour odorless mineral spirits on a sponge and wipe it on the wood. Work the cleaner into all the crevices. This removes built-up grease and wax. Rinse the wood with a damp rag and allow it to dry.

Fill any holes or cracks in the wood with a wood putty. Apply the wood putty so it completely fills the hole by layering it. You can apply the putty with your finger. Allow the wood putty to dry before proceeding.

Sand the wood surfaces to remove the previous finish. Start with 80-grit sandpaper and work up to 220-grit sandpaper. Fold the sandpaper creating a point and work it into the grooves. Try wrapping sandpaper around a pencil and working it into the crevices if you are having a hard time removing all the finish. Dust the surface with a tack cloth when finished.

Stain the wood by wetting a rag with wood stain and rubbing it into the surface, working it into all the detailed areas. Work in the wood grain’s direction. Allow the stain to sit on the wood for five minutes. Wipe off excess stain with a rag. Apply a second stain coat for a darker finish.

Wipe a polyurethane topcoat onto the wood using a rag. Work quickly because the polyurethane rapidly dries. It goes on cloudy but dries clear. Apply three coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry for five minutes before applying the next coat. Leave the polyurethane to cure for eight hours before using the product.