Restoring Wood Furniture without Sanding
Step-by-step guide made from Black Sheep House's YouTube video.
Learn how to quickly restore the finish on scratched and worn wood furniture using a specialized refinishing product. This video demonstrates the process on three different pieces, including a heavily damaged dresser, to conceal scratches, watermarks, and other blemishes without sanding.
- Difficulty: beginner
Safety
- Howard Restor-A-Finish is flammable and contains solvents. Always use it in a well-ventilated area away from open flames.
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves to protect your skin during application.
Tools
- Disposable Gloves (Chemical resistant)
Materials
- Restor-A-Finish (Wood finish restorer, Howard, Walnut)
- Steel Wool (#0000 (super fine))
- Microfiber Cloths
Step by step
Step 1: Restore an Antique Smoking Chest
The creator demonstrates using Howard Restor-A-Finish on a small, antique smoking chest, wiping it on with a cloth to restore the finish.
- Apply Product with a Cloth. Open the can of Howard Restor-A-Finish in the Walnut color. Pour a small amount onto a clean microfiber cloth.
- Tip: For pieces with only minor fading or very light scratches, applying with a soft cloth is a gentle and effective method.
- Wipe onto the Surface. Wipe the saturated cloth onto the top of the antique smoking chest, moving with the grain of the wood. The color and shine are immediately restored.
- Wipe Off Excess. After covering the surface, use a clean, dry section of the cloth to buff away any excess product, leaving a smooth, even finish.
- Tip: The can recommends removing excess product right away to ensure a proper finish.
Step 2: Restore the Vintage Buffet
Using steel wool and the Restor-A-Finish product, the creator works on the top, drawers, and sides of the buffet, dramatically improving its appearance.
- Apply Product to Top with Steel Wool. Pour the Restor-A-Finish onto a #0000 super fine steel wool pad. Rub the pad along the heavily scratched top surface of the buffet, always moving with the grain of the wood.
- Tip: Always use #0000 (super fine) steel wool. Any coarser grade risks scratching the existing finish.
- Tip: Rubbing with the grain helps the repair blend in and prevents cross-grain scratching.
- Restore Drawers and Sides. Continue the process on the drawer fronts and sides of the buffet. After applying with steel wool, wipe away the excess residue with a clean cloth.
- Tip: The product has a strong smell and takes about 24 hours to dry completely, so plan for adequate ventilation and time.
Step 3: Restore the Heavily Scratched Dresser
The creator applies the Restor-A-Finish to the heavily damaged dresser, showing how it conceals even significant scratches and restores the color.
- Apply to Carved Drawer Fronts. Using a #0000 steel wool pad saturated with Restor-A-Finish, the creator scrubs the drawer fronts. The product's stain colors the raw wood exposed by the deep scratches and carvings, making them blend into the finish.
- Tip: For very deep scratches or carvings, the product won't fill the indentation, but it will color the exposed wood, making the damage much less noticeable from a distance.
- Common mistake: Expecting the product to act like a wood filler. It is a color restorer, and the physical indentations of deep scratches will remain.
- Wipe Off Excess Residue. After working the product into the surface with steel wool, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess liquid and buff the surface.