Shopping for wooden furniture and updating it with paint has become a popular trend. However, there are some factors you should consider before you cover up the finish with a couple of coats of paint then decide it needs furniture stripping. Use the guide below to determine which course to take.

Should You Paint It?

Yes

Paint is an effective way to cover up imperfections. If you rescued a piece of furniture with a worn finish or visibly poor craftsmanship, then paint it will improve it. If you do decide to paint your furniture, use a satin or semi-gloss finish for optimal results.

Water-based paint will give the piece a distressed look, while latex paint is ideal for furniture that won’t be used often. Stripping the original finish can do a lot of damage to the furniture when done improperly, so only paint it yourself if you have the tools and knowledge to do it well.

No

Some pieces of furniture were made to be seen in their original glory. This includes antique furniture made of high-quality wood, such as old-growth hardwood. You should also refrain if you like to keep up with the latest Pinterest trends; painting antique furniture will likely go out of style, and restoring the furniture to its original finish won’t be easy. Meanwhile, antique wood is always in style.

Can You Undo It?

If you regret painting your furniture, it can be restored. A process called furniture stripping removes the paint and restores the original finish. Once all the paint is removed and the bare wood is exposed, craftspeople apply a new finish to protect the surface. It likely will not look the same as it did originally, but a professional can restore it as closely as possible.

The skilled craftspeople at Tri-County Furniture Restoration in Cincinnati, OH, provide furniture stripping and repairs. They have more than 36 years of experience with restoring antique pieces to their original beauty. See some of their previous work online, and call (513) 771-6389 to schedule an appointment.