Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/15/2007

Question
Hello.  I want to refinish old woodwork in my house.  Personally I'd like to paint it, but certain people are appalled that I would suggest that.  Anyway, the wood is old, dark, and has damage.  I don't think it has been treated in over 30 plus years.  I think I could deal with the darkness of it if it wasn't so old and beat up looking.  Can you help me get started?  Please just let me know the steps that I have to take to restore the old woodwork (preferably the easiest way if there is any easy way).  I'm sure I will have to sand and add a new coat of poly.  Do I have to strip and re-stain?

Thank you,

Jessica

Answer
Hi Jessica
Nice to hear from you.
I have to agree with those "certain people" who tell you not to paint the woodwork.
You will be forever tied to a paintbrush.
So lets get right to it with the easiest way to make it look better.
And you asked for the easiest LOL...so your getting it.
The hard way is stripping and restaining and then the poly...a horendous job.
This is a dust free method which I have used in several restorations.
First thing is the surface prep.
Get a box of TSP powder and several boxes of medium steel wool at the hardware. Get rubber gloves too.
Mix the TSP according to directions.
Then using the steel wool as a scrubber, give the wood a real good scrub with the solution of TSP.
While you are down on the floor, make sure you get any paint spatters from the walls off the baseboards.(if there are any).
Let this dry overnight.
Then get some Minwax stain and using a rag, rub the wood with stain. What this will do is color any areas where the finish has been chipped and the wood is exposed.
You say its darker, so get Minwax Special Walnut color.
This will not darken the areas that are covered with finish. Just obscure the chips and gouges.
Do not omit this step.
Let the stain dry well. This could take a couple of days so don't panic.
Finally get a tin of low luster wipe on poly or tung oil.
Either one is fine but the poly is best in this case.
Rub a coat on with a rag.
And your wood trim will look beautiful.
Get back to me if this is not 100% clear
Good Luck and good question.
Kindest Regards
Eileen