How to Restore a Finish to a Darker Color

Time, grime, sun exposure, waxy buildup, chemical products and moisture can make wood finishes lighter. Restoring a darker finish renews the wood's earlier appearance and makes blemishes less noticeable. A darker finish can hide water rings on tables, scratches on chair arms or bannisters and scuffs on sofa legs and baseboards. Products for renewing wood finish help protect the wood and return it to its original luster. With the right supplies, you can restore a finish to a darker color without refinishing the wood.

Oil soap designed for cleaning wood
Rags
Orange oil, or finish restoring product in the desired color
0000 steel wool

Instructions

- 1
  Mix a tsp. of oil soap into a quart of warm water and wipe down all exposed areas of the wood. Use a clean rag moistened in plain warm water to wipe off the soap residue. If the rag continues to pick up soil, wipe the wood down again with a damp rag. Wipe the wood with a dry rag to dry the surface.
- 2
  
  Vertical wood grain
  
  Apply orange oil or a finish restoring product in the desired finish. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of the product on a rag and apply to an area the size of your hand. Rub the product on the wood in the direction of the grain. Wipe the treated area with a clean rag right away, then treat the next area.
- 3
  Continue applying the product to one small area at a time, then wiping off the area immediately, covering the wood evenly. Work from the top down on doors and other woodwork or furniture.
- 4
  
  A soft rag removes product residue and polishes the wood.
  
  Apply a nickle-sized amount of the product to 0000 steel wool. Rub the steel wool in a gentle circular motion on water marks, dings, gouges, worn areas and scratches to darken areas that still look light and improve damaged areas of the finish. Wipe each treated area with a dry rag after applying the product.
- 5
  Apply enough product to the corner of a rag to saturate it. Reapply the product to any dings, gouges or scratches that still appear lighter than the rest of the finish. Apply a generous amount by dabbing the product on the affected areas without rubbing. Let the product sit, then rub the wood with a fresh dry rag to buff the finish and remove any residue.

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