How To Polish Wooden Furniture At Home?

Wooden furniture enhances the beauty and charm of any space. Pieces made with high-quality wood can last a lifetime and be passed down as a family heirloom. However, even the finest quality wood loses its charm over time. Like any other material, wood is subjected to wear and tear. This is why regular cleaning and polishing are needed to preserve the shine of your pieces. 

Wooden furniture has a classic, elegant appeal. To keep it in the best condition, it requires occasional upkeep. While commercial wood polishes and cleaners can help restore the furniture’s appearance, they often contain harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). 

So, now the question is, how to polish wooden furniture at home? You can get the same results using a natural, homemade polish that is free of toxic chemicals. If you are eager to learn more about home wood polish, read this post.

How To Polish Wooden Furniture At Home?

Those who haven’t tried wood polishing before might wonder how to polish wooden furniture at home. Well, wood polishing involves enhancing the longevity and appearance of wooden surfaces by applying a polish.

With the help of this practice, you can maintain the wood’s natural shine and protect it from wear and tear. Besides the functional benefits, polishing wood also adds to its aesthetic appeal. In other words, it makes your wooden pieces look more refined and timeless.

Talking about furniture polish at home, the techniques and products used may vary depending on the surface of the wood. For instance, polishing finished wood helps maintain its shine and protective coating. On the other hand, bare wood requires a different type of polish that ensures even application and lasting results.

Wood polish is applied using a soft cloth to ensure a smooth and uniform finish. Some people prefer to polish wooden furniture at home. No doubt, it’s a great DIY project, but it involves a lot of work. This is especially true for larger or more intricate pieces. If you can’t handle furniture polish at home, consider hiring a professional. You must search for a wood polish service near me and pick the best professional for yourself.

How To Apply Wood Polish?

Before you decide to polish your wooden piece, you must learn how to apply wood polish. Applying wood polish is a straightforward process, especially for certain types of wood. You only need a microfiber cloth to spread the polish evenly over the surface. This way, you can achieve a smooth and polished finish.

But sometimes, you have to dampen the cloth and rub the wooden surface after applying the polish. Following this, you must remove any excess polish using a dry cloth. This prevents dust from sticking to the surface and creating an uneven texture.

To get the best results, focus on one section at a time. Remember that the polishing method may differ based on the type of wood. You can achieve a professional finish by adjusting your approach to the specific wood type.

Types Of Wood Polishing

Caring for wooden pieces becomes much easier when you understand the different types of wood polishes available. Wood polish material can be divided into two main categories: penetrating and surface polish. Surface polishes sit on the wood’s surface and form a protective layer while penetrating polishes soak into the wood and enhance internal protection.

Here are some of the most common types of wood polishes that you should know about:

Oil-Based Wood Polish

Oil-based wood polishes provide a natural, satin finish to wood surfaces. But they leave a yellowish tint over time. Despite this, oil-based wood polish is a popular choice. That’s because it penetrates the wood profoundly and covers scratches. Not only that, but it also provides a glossy shine. Since it is a penetrating polish, it gets absorbed into the wood.

Water-Based Wood Polish

Water-based wood polishes are highly versatile and can be used on all types of wood, including bare, painted, or stained. The best thing about these polishes is that they provide a clear finish. Plus, it doesn’t turn yellow over time. This makes water-based wood polish better than oil-based polishes.

Varnish Wood Polish

Varnish is perfect for both stained and bare wood. The good thing is that it is available in various sheets, so you can select one that aligns with your requirements. Unlike other furniture polish materials, varnish wood polish works well for wet areas. It provides a protective layer that enhances the natural look of wood. The only drawback is that you cannot apply it on dry surfaces.

Shellac Wood Polish

Shellac is a durable, hard-finish polish that is available in different colours. It’s commonly used as a stain remover and sealer. While it’s ideal for redecorating old furniture, it’s not moisture-resistant. Therefore, you should avoid using it for outdoor wood surfaces.

Lacquer Wood Polish

If you want to add a glossy finish to your wooden surfaces, lacquer wood polish is a great choice. It provides a luxurious, rich finish to your wooden pieces. Even the application process is easy. You only have to spray the polish on the surface and let it dry. However, lacquer wood polish releases fumes and should be applied outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.

PU Wood Polish

PU (Polyurethane) wood polish is famous for its durability, strength, and moisture resistance. Plus, you can use it on all wooden surfaces and create a complex, protective finish. However, it’s not recommended for outdoor use because it is sensitive to UV rays.

Melamine Wood Polish

Melamine is a closed-pore polish that makes wood resistant to temperature changes. For this reason, it is an ideal choice for kitchens. Compared to other wood polishes, melamine dries quickly. However, it is not recommended for surfaces that frequently come into contact with water.

Wax-Based Wood Polish

Wax-based wood polish is available in both paste and liquid forms. This type of natural wood polish is made of plant-based materials. However, in some cases, it can also be derived from animals. Depending on the type, some wax-based polishes may require dissolving in oil before use.

Homemade Wood Polish

If you want a natural and cost-effective option, you can create your wood polish at home. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and white vinegar for a basic cleaner. To make a penetrating polish, combine one part of lemon juice and two parts of olive oil. This DIY solution is excellent for both cleaning and conditioning wood.

Steps To Polish Wood Furniture At Home

Before you decide to polish your wooden pieces at home, you must gather the following items:

• Microfiber towels
• Water
• Mild dish soap
• Wood cleaner (optional)
• Wood polish
• Protective gloves
• Fine-grit sandpaper (optional)

Step 1: Clean The Wood Surface

First, you must get rid of any grime, dirt, or dust from the wood. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water in a bowl. Soak the microfiber cloth in the mixture and use it to wipe down the surface. 

Ensure you do not use too much water, which can harm the wood. For sticky spots and stains, you can use a commercial wood cleaner. After you are done cleaning, let the surface dry.

Step 2: Light Sanding (Optional)

You can sand it lightly if the wood has old polish or feels rough. Use fine sandpaper and rub in the direction of the wood grain. This will give you a smooth, flawless finish. 

This step is optional, so you can skip it if you like. But it is helpful for surfaces that need extra care. After sanding, use a dry cloth to wipe off all the dust.

Step 3: Apply Polish

Pick a polish that suits your furniture. You can choose water-based, oil-based, or wax-based products. Before applying, make sure to read the instructions on the label. 

With the help of a clean cloth, apply the product in a small section, following the wood grain. It would help if you spread the polish evenly without using too much.

Step 4: Buff The Surface

Let the polish sit for the time mentioned on the product label. After that, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface. Make sure to do it gently, or it can harm the wood.

By buffing the wood, you can restore its shine and make it feel smooth. For extra shine, buff it again with a fresh cloth.

Step 5: Maintain Regularly

Remember to clean your furniture with a microfiber cloth or duster regularly to keep it looking great. 

It would help if you reapplied the polish every few months, depending on how frequently you use the furniture. This way, you can retain its shine and protect it from damage.

How To Clean Different Types Of Wooden Furniture?

Cleaning wooden furniture depends on its condition. Before you start, make sure to prepare the piece. Once it’s ready, follow these simple steps based on the type of wood finish.

Painted Furniture

For painted furniture, remove dust by wiping it with a microfiber cloth. For grime or stains, mix two drops of dish soap with water. Test the solution on a small spot using a cotton ball to ensure it doesn’t damage the paint. If the paint stays intact, you can use it to clean the entire surface.

After cleaning, wipe the furniture with a second cloth to remove excess moisture. This prevents fungus and mould from growing. Also, use microfiber cloths because they are soft and lint-free.

Polished Furniture

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil for furniture with tinted polish. By using this mixture, you can remove stains and grime effectively.

Use a clean, lint-free cloth to buff the furniture after applying the solution. The furniture will take around two hours to dry before you can use it.

Oiled Furniture

For furniture with varnish or polish, you can use black tea. You must brew 4–5 tea bags in hot water for about 10 minutes. 

Take a washcloth, dampen it with the mixture, and wipe the furniture. With the help of this method, you can enhance the shine and dark polish of your furniture. Once you are done, let the pieces dry for about two hours.

Woven Furniture

First, dust the furniture thoroughly. Next, mix equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil. 

Using this solution, clean the wood surface. It helps to remove dirt and grime. Once you are done, buff the furniture with a lint-free cloth and let it sit for 2 hours to absorb the oil.

Tips To Follow For Wood Polishing

Now that you have a basic idea about how to polish wooden furniture at home, here are some tips to follow as guidelines.

Consider The Wood Type

Before you start, identify the type of wood and the polish it needs. Some wooden pieces require surface polish, while others benefit from penetrating polishes.

Repair Cracks & Scratches

You must inspect the wood for any scratches or cracks. You can use a wax-based or oil-based polish to fill in the imperfections and restore the smooth appearance of the wood.

Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Make sure to always clean the wooden surface before starting. This will help you to remove any dust, dirt, and grime. A clean surface ensures a smooth, flawless finish.

Select The Right Polish

It would help if you chose a polish that suits the specific condition of your wooden surface. Whether the wood is stained, bare, or painted, the polish you use will impact the outcome.

Sand The Surface

Sanding is a crucial step that helps to eliminate rough edges and create an even texture. Following this step helps to spread the polish more uniformly. This way, you can achieve a better outcome and enhance your wooden surface’s overall look.

Apply The Polish Correctly

To apply the polish, use a soft cloth and spread it evenly across the surface. Once the polish dries, buff the surface with a dry cloth to remove any excess polish.

Consider Burnishing

Particular polishes, like lacquer-based ones, may require burnishing after application. This helps to smooth out rough patches and enhance the shine. If you are unsure if your wood needs burnishing, consult a professional.

Final Words

Polishing wooden furniture at home is a great way to maintain its beauty and extend its life. By following the proper techniques and using a suitable polish, you can restore the shine of your wooden pieces and protect them from wear and tear. Now that you know how to polish wooden furniture at home, it should be easier to go about it.

FAQs

How do you polish wood furniture at home?

You can polish your wood furniture at home by preparing a natural polish with olive oil and lemon juice.

How do I get my wood furniture to shine again?

To restore the shine of your wood furniture, clean them thoroughly and apply a polish.

What household items can you use to polish wood?

Everyday household items used to polish wood include olive oil and lemon juice, white vinegar, coconut oil, or beeswax.

Which oil is used to polish wood?

You can use oils like linseed, olive, tung, or coconut oil to polish wood surfaces.

Which polish is best for wood?

Some of the best polishes for wooden furniture are polyurethane polish, lacquer polish, water-based polish, and wax-based polish.