Here Is Your Sign Not To Paint Thrifted Wood. Try This Method Instead

When you stumble upon a treasured piece of wooden furniture or home decor at your local thrift store, it's easy to get caught up in all of the creative ways in which you can upcycle the item. With so many options, you may feel tempted to cover it with a new coat of paint to give it an entirely new look. However, painting isn't the only option you have with thrifted wood. Instead, you can easily treat the original wood by giving it a thorough wash and wax, refreshing it to its original glory, no paint needed. In some cases, you may not even need to sand it. Skip the paint and focus on bringing out the beauty of the original wood grain instead. 

The era of painted wood has slowly but surely started to fade, as homeowners rediscover the beauty and unique qualities of wooden furniture and decor. You've likely seen secondhand wooden furniture covered in an unnecessary coat of paint. Sometimes these messy jobs are difficult to remove and can damage the wood underneath if not prepped properly. To avoid making this mistake yourself, use the simple method for creating the perfect wood finish with a wash and wax. You may just love the look of the natural wood. 

Thankfully, restoring thrifted wooden furniture and decor is a beginner-friendly project. You don't need to be a furniture expert. Your first step, as with any secondhand item that you bring home, is to give it a thorough clean. The best way to clean wooden furniture and home decor is just with a microfiber cloth, slightly dampened with water. If you're dealing with any stubborn stains or grime, you can use a small brush, or even a toothbrush, to gently dig into those areas and remove any tough debris. Don't forget to dry the area off with a clean cloth afterwards. 

Instead of coating your wood with paint, opt for a wax finish. There are a few common types of wax, like paste or liquid, as well as wax ingredients, like beeswax and paraffin wax. An all-natural ingredient like beeswax can help waterproof your wood. It's typically recommended to opt for a simple paste wax for a beginner project. Some popular brands include Minwax and Varathane, both of which you can find online or at your local home improvement store. These products naturally bring out the beauty of a wood finish. Plus, you don't have to wait for multiple coats to dry like you would for a painting project. You can use a soft cloth to apply the wax to your item, making sure to wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Wait about 10 to 20 minutes before buffing it out with another cloth.