At J&D Sprayers & Makeovers, we see every piece of wooden furniture not just as a surface, but as a story worth saving. Whether you’re preserving family heirlooms, restoring water- or fire-damaged items, or simply giving a beloved table a second chance, wood furniture restoration offers an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and beautiful solution.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices we follow to ensure professional, long-lasting results — and help you avoid the most common mistakes we see in DIY attempts.

What Is Wood Furniture Restoration?

Wood furniture restoration is the process of repairing, refinishing, and revitalising wooden items to preserve their structural integrity, visual appeal, and value. While it may include surface work, true restoration also involves fixing cracks, replacing missing elements, and addressing the deeper wear that naturally occurs over time.

At J&D Sprayers, we combine craftsmanship, industrial-grade coatings, and experience to transform tired or damaged furniture into pieces that can last for decades to come.

Restoration vs. Refinishing: What’s the Difference?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes:

• Restoration repairs both structure and surface — ideal for antique furniture or sentimental pieces.

• Refinishing focuses on aesthetics — stripping the old finish and applying new stain, paint, or lacquer. It’s best for solid furniture with no major damage.

We’re specialists in both. Whether you need a piece brought back to its original state or completely reimagined to suit a modern interior, we can advise on the right process.

Why Choose Restoration Over Replacement?

Restoration offers unique benefits:

✅ Cost Savings – It’s usually cheaper than buying new, especially when quality craftsmanship is involved.
✅ Sustainability – Keeps furniture out of landfill and reduces demand for new resources.
✅ Character – Restored pieces tell stories and often feature detailing modern furniture lacks.
✅ Customisation – Choose stains, finishes, or hardware to match your décor.

Whether you’re updating a dining set, restoring a fire-damaged vanity, or refinishing a vintage sideboard, restoration is both eco-friendly and elegant.

Our Best Practices for Wood Furniture Restoration

Here’s how we approach restoration for a long-lasting, professional-grade result:

1. Assess Before You Begin

We always examine the piece first:

• Is it solid wood or veneer?

• Is the damage cosmetic or structural?

• What type of wood and original finish are we dealing with?

Not every item is worth restoring — and we’ll tell you honestly if your piece is beyond practical repair.

2. Gather the Right Tools and Materials

Some of the key tools we use include:

• Sandpaper (various grits)

• Wood filler & glue

• Putty knives & clamps

• Industrial sprayers or brushes

• Professional-grade stains, primers, and sealants

• Personal protection gear (goggles, respirators)

Pro Tip: Our spray system, combined with our custom lacquer and sealant mixes, gives a perfectly even finish — far superior to brush-on applications.

3. Clean and Remove Old Finish

We begin with a deep clean to remove dirt, wax, or polish. If needed, we apply a commercial-grade chemical stripper — safe for the wood and effective even on delicate veneers.

DIY Warning: Store-bought strippers are weaker, messy, and often ineffective on thicker finishes. They also increase the risk of damage, especially if over-sanding follows.

Once the old finish is removed, we sand gradually (60 → 220 grit), always with the grain, and wipe away residue using tack cloths.

4. Stain or Paint with Care

Once prepped, we apply stain or paint depending on your vision:

• Stain: Enhances natural grain and tones

• Paint: Covers imperfections, modernises the look

• Two-tone: Stained top with painted body – a popular choice

Thin, even coats with sanding in between are key to a flawless finish. Whether brushed or sprayed, we always test colours first and never rush the drying time.

5. Apply a Durable Protective Finish

The finish is what locks everything in and protects against moisture, wear, and UV damage. We use:

• Lacquer – For ultra-smooth, glossy finishes

• Polyurethane – For durability and water resistance

• Wax or oil – For soft, natural looks on less-used pieces

We apply two to three coats in a sealed spray booth, using professional guns to avoid streaks, drips, or dust settling. This is what sets us apart from basic DIY finishes.

Common Restoration Mistakes to Avoid

🔴 Skipping prep – Dirt, wax or old finish can ruin adhesion.
🔴 Over-sanding – Can damage veneer or details permanently.
🔴 Rushing drying time – Leads to sticky or uneven results.
🔴 Wrong finish – Not all topcoats suit every use case.
🔴 Poor lighting or ventilation – Causes oversight and health risks.

We’ve fixed plenty of DIY attempts gone wrong. When in doubt, get professional advice before starting.

Need Help With a Restoration Project?

Whether it’s a sideboard from a family home, a dining set in need of a new look, or a post-disaster furniture recovery, J&D Sprayers & Makeovers offers expert wood restoration across Scotland. We’re passionate about quality, detail, and giving your furniture a future.

📞 Get a free quote today – Simply send us a few photos and a brief description of what you’d like done. We’ll recommend the best course of action, no strings attached.

Your furniture tells a story. Let us help you preserve it.
– J&D Sprayers & Makeovers