Before dragging that old scarred table across the hardwood floor, out the door and down to the curb, stop. Consider what the experts advise.
Don’t replace. Renew.
While no one would argue the wisdom of throwing out burnt orange shag carpet, professionals caution not to toss wood furniture with abandon. Why? Because chances are good there’s not only life left in it, but a potential for greatness you haven’t considered.
Often, frustration with the old and outdated can lead homeowners into the black hole of new and shiny, before they realize there is pleasure and satisfaction found in a renewed, one-of-a-kind piece of furniture or custom trim.
However, deciding whether to paint or refinish an item can derail the whole process. Could that choice be as easy as flipping a coin? Should it? Heads for paint, tails for refinishing.
Personal Preference or Professional Opinion?
Often a decision is made according to personal preference. It’s when indecision sets in that a coin comes in handy. Or, if you aren’t a fan of leaving things to chance, there are some things to consider.
If your grandma would gasp on Thanksgiving when she sees you painted the 150-year-old armoire, you might want to rethink that chalk paint you’ve been eyeing. Also, if the item is an antique, basic research should be done to avoid a decision that could diminish its value.
Refinishing shows off the beauty of the wood itself, while painting shows off a decorating style and color choice. Painting can also cover imperfections and allows for versatility in decorating. It can blend in or stand out, be wild and unique, or it can be stately. It could also offer some cost savings, but a quality paint job is never cheap.
It’s All About Workmanship
No matter which side of the painting/refinishing fence you land on, workmanship is key. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you are prepared.
If you choose the DIY route, and lovingly strip every layer of paint off an old table, only to discover that it was made from scraps of wood in a quirky mosaic even a five-year-old could improve on, it’s ok. You can still paint it.
What if you don’t have any cool, old worn-out furniture to restore? Have some fun hunting for some at garage sales that will be popping up every weekend as the weather improves. Not only could it net you some great finds at reasonable prices, the added cost of having them professionally restored or painted could still be less than new and, if it’s older than 1960, it was probably built better than much of the furniture produced today.
If you are tired, don’t have the time, or aren’t convinced your DIY skills meet your expectations, our team at Wehrli Furniture is ready to take on your project and give you peace of mind. We will help you sort through the many options, walk you through the process, and make sure the choice you make is the right one.
All you need to do is be ready to love it when it’s done.
