How To Restore Old Wooden Furniture; Strip and Wax Polish (English Restorer)

[@robertpanetta7912]

This is by far the best video on restoring and polishing a piece of furniture on the internet. Actually it’s the only one you need to watch . Simon is easy to understand and during the video explains the steps thoroughly so you don’t have too many questions. His passion for restoration come across too . The products were great and I will be ordering some . Thanks Simon

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Robert. That's very kind of you.

[@als1023]

Same thoughts , really enjoyed this simple but very skillful proces and understanding more deeply about the type of productsa.

[@grahameakagromkelly7278]

Such an amazing, well taught, explained, visually clear and helpful tutorial . Thanks so much for this.

[@GilboysRestoration]

You're very welcome. Thank you.

[@tobyjugg6202]

4 years on and I am SO glad to have found this video - timeless !!! Now I am confident to have a go - brilliant - thank you so much for a masterclass in making things so simple to understand :)

[@MMLmotion]

Thank you. I bought your products after watching the really helpful video and I couldn’t be happier.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. That's very kind of you to say so.

[@Colombo5218]

Absolutely superb presentation by a gifted craftsman and communicator. Loved hearing you use the word: 'Charge.' Reminded me of: "Ladies and Gentleman please charge your glasses and be up standing!" Thank you for all the information you gave us.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. you are very kind.

[@billyboybliss]

Thanks for sharing your decades of experience, skills and knowledge. A privilege to see a real craftsman at work.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it. thank you

[@geckobaldy]

I wish to commend you for your excellent video. Clear, detailed and I love the fact you ANSWER the questions.Thank you. All other youtubers take note!!!

[@GilboysRestoration]

You're very welcome. Thank you.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Excellent Tutorial, very informative ,explaining each step and why, with slow precise language, I appreciate clear diction and explanations, . You did not rush the procedure, nor your explanations of what you were doing and why, and how. I applaud that. thank you for taking the time to make the video. but better yet! Thank you for sharing it with us neophytes !.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you for kind comments. We have tried our best to help people discover how to refinish their own furniture in a few simple steps.

[@tanyajuli4145]

A timely video. Thanks for the efforts and the good production quality. That's pretty rare on youtube. I have recently started over again furniture wise and am buying all wood, all antiques (thanks to the fact that millenials are not fans of the stuff, you can pick up fabulous dressers, tables etc for pennies). I have been watching many of your videos for the past month, trying to solve particular problems and am thrilled you are actively answering questions. Thanks for what you do and for being a resource.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Tanya. Thank you. I hope this helps you get back in to the 'Antique furniture world'. If there was a time to buy period furniture now is it! Good quality Georgian and early 19th century furniture can be bought right now for a fraction of the price it once commanded. I find it incredible that I can go to an auction and buy a period hand made George III corner cupboard for £100 or a Georgian Bureau for a few hundred. Strange times we live in. Best wishes Simon.

[@tanyajuli4145]

@@GilboysRestoration Simon, Exactly! I wish we had more Georgian stuff here in the midwest of America (Indianapolis). I'm pleased with the victorian and art nouveau pieces I find and your videos help me figure out how to repair and restore. I wish I had a bigger place so I could stockpile. Cause someday, the millenials are going to tire of their IKEA laminates and "discover" good quality, and the race will be on again. BTW, do you have a retail outlet in the U.S.? thanks, tanya

[@GilboysRestoration]

​@@tanyajuli4145 Hi Tanya. I agree the outgoing tide of antique furniture will turn at some point but at the moment it is right out! At present we don't have any stockist in the USA. However we have just listed it on Amazon in the USA, fulfilled by us here in the workshop and shipped direct to the buyer. I do understand the costs increase because of the postage but we have subsidised it as much as possible. kind regards Simon

[@louisak5958]

Tanya Juli oh piss off you self-righteous old bat. Millennial here who just bought a Victorian parlor suite to go in the Victorian house I own.

[@tanyacaso4339]

@@louisak5958 I guess Millennials are not only interested in old furniture but they are rude as well

[@kathrynstandal2484]

Simon, what a fabulous tutorial! You are articulate and thorough, and that is so much appreciated! I have recently come into possession of an antique drop-leaf oak table and wasn't sure how I was going to finish it. After watching your presentation I am so excited to get started with your product. Thank you!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you for watching our videos I’m glad you enjoy them.

[@russgiles7617]

This has been so helpful. I have just inherited two beautiful pine school lockers c 50's. I'll be restoreing them with the tips you have given.

[@derekstocker6661]

Well done with the eye protection, absolute necessity in these types of jobs, another great video, thank you for this.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@shergywergy]

Best restoration video on KZbin.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you.

[@dixie002]

Great to watch a master craftsman at work

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks for watching.

[@MB-cx2ks]

You are the best teacher.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you.

[@markjarman7819]

Craftsman at work. The finish on the top is lovely 😊

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you 😊

[@cassyburton6813]

Thank you I learnt alot from this video to go on and restore an old sideboard! 👍🏽

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Cassy. Glad it helped.

[@nc5946]

Brilliant video, thank you so much. Followed your instructions and products used and am delighted with my table

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks N.C. I’m glad it worked well for you. 😀. Best wishes Simon

[@AlmostHohn]

Who gave this video 17 dislikes? Obviously someone JEALOUS ! because they didn't bother to leave a comment explaining their negative reaction. I see quality and a lot of work invested in this table, time spent explaining with plenty of details, and some nice lighting and camera work and editing. A big THUMBS UP from me! I was looking for a video just like this. UPDATE 2 hours later: I live in Germany and went to the local home improvement store. I looked for a similar product and found nothing even close, so I came home and ordered your starter kit. I'm really excited and inspired and motivated by your video.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you for your kind comments. Yes we have invested a huge amount of our time and money creating these videos. We did this because we get asked 'how to' do it so often. We are not a professional film company, we are a small furniture restoration business that wants to share some of our knowledge and we do this ourselves. Thank you AlmostHohn. It's very kind of you.

[@nedlee3000]

No one is "jealous". Perhaps it was the background noise, er "music" that bothered them. It sure bothered me and was distracting from a good presentation.

[@robertwear1675]

Perhaps it's the fact the table was quite lovely before with the natural patina?

[@Ionabrodie69]

@@robertwear1675Err no it wasn’t..it is beautiful now.. .but if that rough look is the look you go for why watch this ?🤷‍♀️

[@Ionabrodie69]

@@nedlee3000there’s always someone… well done you’re that guy.🙄🇬🇧

[@greg6107]

The top is so pretty you do wonderful work. Could watch your videos all day.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks so much 😊

[@yaa63]

Thank you...fantastic tutorial...so pleased to have found it!!!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you, glad it was helpful. 🙂

[@pieternaude1469]

Thank you this was a great tutorial. You restored the wood beautifully while keeping that 'homely' look of a well-beloved piece of furniture. Going to keep your instructions as a reference.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you Pieter. Glad we could help.

[@tonyscott395]

I spotted a plane resting on its base. My old woodwork teacher, Mr. (Chisel) Davies would have made you write out the rules of planing 10 times for that. Great and instructive video, thanks.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Oops! Good job Mr D isn't in the workshop! Thanks for your feedback Tony

[@kimclarke5018]

Stunning. Its truly beautiful with the natural finish.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. 🙂

[@ManishPathakIndia]

The greatest inspiration & bliss is to watch a master at work. Just subscrided to the channel and feels great to share that acrossing many problems I make handmade burr puzzles and wooden boxes in Teak. All hand buffed and Shellaced traditonally as you do. Great video, lots of love & Namastey from India.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. Manish. :-)

[@felicitygee381]

Great video, cannot believe you are providing this excellent professional information for free! I just bought a 1910 oak table with beautiful turned and carved legs/frame that is almost black with polish. The top has uneven wear and some scratches so I am looking for options of what to do with it. Your table's original state is similar to mine but in very small patches. There was a lot of excellent info in this video! I saw some ppl commenting on how they didn't like the style of the finished result, it isn't what I am looking for (in this instance) either but if I hadn't watched this I wouldn't know that. But I also feel more confident in my options because I now know my table can be stripped back safely and polished up.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Felicity. I hope it helps you. Our videos do cost us quite a lot of money to produce. There are many ways to finish wood. The purpose of this is to demonstrate an effective way of doing so without any experience. resulting in a pleasing, natural looking durable finish. 😁

[@felicitygee381]

@@GilboysRestoration I ended up buying your starter kit and polishing my table with it along with filling in the scratches using your besswax sticks. Again you had more instruction videos for how to use the products which were really helpful when I came across an issue. The table came up really nicely and I am so pleased with it.

[@annettevandenbos6897]

Thank you very much, greetings from Holland

[@GilboysRestoration]

You are welcome.

[@alistairmacrae4870]

Brilliant video, now I can start on the old kitchen table lying in the garage for the last decade.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Go for it!

[@vintageeveryday2020]

I love the authentic look. Comfortable, but very presentable. I want one!

[@shelleyfield3128]

Amazing. Thank you.

[@reedfinn7826]

Simon reminds me of Tim Vine! Thoroughly watchable!

[@amassey4476]

Just got my wax and applied to my farm table as I had already done all steps. Thank you!

[@GilboysRestoration]

No Worries I hope you enjoy !

[@josephschwarz3578]

Wow! What a beautiful wax finish, Simon. Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. How do you go about keeping it clean? What can you use, and not use, for daily maintenance?

[@reedfinn7826]

My edwardian dropleaf table is going to love me when I try this.

[@Cradley684]

Great video Simon, Thank's for the share, have a nice day !!!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Brian. I hope it helps.

[@Fiorentini333]

Alway enjoy watching your videos. You make it look so easy. Thank you!

[@GilboysRestoration]

You are so welcome. 🙂

[@Amphybun]

I have learnt so much, have purchased the starter kit and I can't wait to get started.

[@ΕιρηνηΚουρου-θ4ι]

Well done very good job

[@AngelaWilliams-km1bo]

The finish on that table is beautiful. We have moved to a house with oak doors and skirting boards , I think they have previously been waxed but not sealed first, any slight drop of water marks terribly. What is the best way to find out what had been used previously so I can redo them and properly seal. If it is wax only will meths strip it off? Thankyou.

[@annlancaster921]

Very informative video, thank you for all your enthusiasm and clear directions. In the process of restoring an old coffer, your products are working a charm.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Ann

[@danimordecai7611]

Amazing skills 👍

[@theresawalters555]

This is a wonderful demonstration and explanation! Exactally what I was looking for. Thank you so very much! Your videos are wonderful!!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you Theresa for your kind feedback. We are glad you find our videos so helpful

[@seeyouagain9436]

Beautiful. Thanks for the helpful information

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you for watching.

[@Wheel333]

Looks fantastic thanks some great tips. 🙏❤️🙏

[@GilboysRestoration]

You are so welcome

[@mauricioaguilaragueda]

Thak you Sir...you are defenitely a Master...

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. That s very kind. ☺️

[@1240enzo]

Thanks Simon for yet another very instructive video. Funnily enough many of the techniques you use are ones that I also use and somehow just figured out for myself, eg adding vinegar to meths fur neutralising, and using 0000 steel charged with polish to help create a satin rather than gloss finish. As always still though plenty to learn. Thankyou

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi David. My Pleasure and thank you for your order of Gilboy's Gold. I hope it works well for you. Let me know how you get on. Best Wishes Simon

[@1240enzo]

Hi Simon, your most welcome and many thanks, I look forward to being able to use your polishes etc. I have the perfect project for its first use. I am in the middle of the total restoration of a 1870-80s.'s cedar blanket box. So the timing in receiving the polish will be perfect.

[@shaundowns493]

Beautiful finish, thank you for sharing

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. 😊

[@neilmcalester]

Excellent video thanks. How do you clean the cotton cloth after applying the wax oil?

[@elizabethandiosa4579]

Thank you. Awesome. I will email you. I love old furniture and have wanted to learn for many years how to conserve, protect and repair and revive beautiful old pieces.

[@thebarnacles866]

Thank you! That was great

[@GilboysRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@revampgsy1886]

fab tutorial ive learned a lot today..thank you

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you for your feedback

[@andrewjackson4264]

That was an awesome video, I'll be buying your products and getting restoring!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Andrew. I hope you have success.

[@breathandrelaxstayhealthy150]

Educational and useful. Thank you so much for uploading ❤️

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you Anna. x

[@RebeccaHWood59]

This tutorial was so helpful. Could you do one on old pine? I have a 37 year old pine kitchen table that originally had a beeswax finish. As a beginner, I found your 1,2,3 step demonstration very helpful.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Becky. You can do this exact same process on your pine table. In fact you can do this on most pieces of furniture. If you want to add colour to your table you can do this at the point when it is stripped back and cleanly prepared. Sometimes adding a subtle stain to wood will enhance the grain and the overall look. You can then go on to seal the able as you see me do in the video. Kind regards Simon

[@kathywhitaker11]

Really nice finish on that table,much prefer Matt/satin to a high gloss,it looks more natural. Thank you.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you ! 😀

[@button1ginger1]

Every time I salvage some dumped piece of furniture, I end up painting it. It breaks my heart. I love the natural grain of wood.

[@geoffdundee]

always good to see a clip uploaded by you.....i subscribed years ago..........id love to see a clip uploaded more often by you of restorations.........love your channel

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Geoff. Thank you for your kind comments. We produced this video with the hope of answering the most asked questions we receive on a daily basis. The process of stripping the finish which you see me demonstrating here can is the same process we would apply to ALL of our restoration work that requires us removing the old finish. I must stress we only ever . strip the original finish when we are very sure we there is no other option. Best Wishes Simon

[@davidfoulkes8907]

I used to be a French polisher.. brings back memories

[@GilboysRestoration]

We're glad you enjoyed watching David

[@murphyrp01]

Great video. I would have liked to see you so the other half of the top. I know it would have been great but trying to get my head around how you would do the transition

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Randall. After the filming crew left, I stripped the entire table top again and completely refinished it. ✅

[@vincentkc6033]

Thank you for the insightful video. Would like to ask what are the best finishes for a kitchen counter butcher block? I would like it to be rather easy to clean when water /cooking oil spills. Tq

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Vincent. There are many food safe oils on the open market. They should contain good quality beeswax, carnauba wax and a mineral oil. Depending on how often you use it. I would have thought a quick wipe over once a month will be enough. I would reapply it when moisture starts to be absorbed into the wood. ✅

[@rickpalmer3340]

Many thanks for another top video! If you wanted to darken the oak at what point would you apply a stain, please?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Rick. Good question. Always, always colour the wood when it is stripped and prepared prior to the finishing process. 🙂 You cant really change the colour once you have sealed it, unless you use a pigmented polish, but thats not good because it starts to obliterate the wood itself. So always colour your wood at the beginning of the finishing process. ✅ There's more help on satining and colouring here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKacZJuvqJaBa5o I hope this helps Simon

[@matthewdickson7838]

Id just love to learn this trade or craft 👍👍👍

[@elizabethkavouris7446]

Hello, Thanks for the video. I would like to use this process to refinish my dining room table. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind. 1) Is this kind of finish practical for a dining table that is used daily for most meals and other activities? 2)Whats product did you use for the wax oil? Is it a product I can purchase from your website or should I just get something locally? For example, Tung or linseed oil? Cheers!

[@TheWendyJohnson]

I am wondering the same thing.

[@carolepawson8479]

Hi. I received my gold wax today and just put it on a very dry table which I’d stripped. How long should I leave before waxing again? I think I saw on one of your videos to wait a while but I can’t remember which video and how long to wait! Thank you for a prompt delivery and such wonderful customer service x Carole

[@GilboysRestoration]

HI Carole I believe Ian has already replied to your question via email but for the benefit of others... You can apply a second coat of our polish within a few hours of the first. The reason being; the first application will be absorbed quite quickly by the bare wood and the wax will dry faster. Depending on how dry and absorbent the surface is I would wait a week or so before applying further wax applications. As I demonstrate in this video. I personally would seal the table first and then wax it but thats just me. 😁

[@carolepawson8479]

Hi. Thanks, yes Ian has replied. I didn’t want to alter the colour of the wood so didn’t use oil as they all seem to have a yellow /orange tint. Thanks, the wax is great!

[@wrightrestorations.5190]

Can you possibly do a shop tour? I really enjoy seeing other shops and how they organize them. I am currently moving into my new shop and am looking for ideas. Thanks for your videos.

[@GilboysRestoration]

We may do one day!

[@MicheleBryant-ec6pp]

Hi Simon, I am trying to restain/dye an old Ercol Colonial suite. It is in dark wood, and has scratches and bare patches. I have tried numerous dark oak dyes and stains and none are enough to colour this. I have sanded the arms as these are the worst affected. I am not sure what Ercol originally used. I have reached out to them to no avail. Any help you could offer would be gratefully received. I don't need it to be uniformly perfect, it is old after all but I would like all of the dark wood to be dark. Thanks very much :)

[@drunkenmunky07]

Very helpful Thanks

[@bethellingworth7814]

Brilliant video - thanks, I am in Australia and will order your wax. What oil can I use? Would it be Raw or boiled linseed oil? I have an oak coffer which has been damaged by being placed under an air conditioner. Thanks so much!

[@rhonajamieson1625]

Really good thank you - do you think I could use the same process on a wooden Belfast sink that is not looking its best?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Yes, absolutely. I would probably give it three coats of hard wax oil. to make sure its well sealed. 🙂

[@bekind4285]

Hello, I am a total novice...please if you could tell me how often one must reapply the wax for the upkeep of the furniture? Also, can I apply wax over a tung oil finish? Many thanks!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi. Repeat applications depend on how much you use the furniture. And yes you can use it over all the oiled finishes. ✅ Here's a guide to help you. gilboys.co.uk/pages/how-often-should-i-use-gilboys-beeswax-polish?_pos=1&_sid=9954f3ced&_ss=r

[@antidoteify]

After the oil sealing, can you stain it too, before you polish it?

[@steviehunt]

Great video...just a quick question, What would you use to remove water based paint off of furniture without damaging the original wood underneath?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Steve. You can use any of the wood strippers available on the open market. They will remove the old finish and leave the original wood substrate untouched. ✅

[@francesburke6983]

Can you advise on how to clean very grimey 450 year old oak flooring before waxing please !

[@justmefolks2733]

Fantastic video thank you. Can I ask as I am a novice starting different projects what grade coarse wire wool you use. Thank you

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi. We used '0000' to apply the wax. And Grade 3 for stripping.

[@justmefolks2733]

@@GilboysRestoration Thank you.

[@stewbacca65]

I am enquiring about the safety glasses you are wearing do they fog up at all if not can please inform where you got them from please, did you get them off Amazon?... 🤔 Kind regards, Stewart

[@joeslambo]

exceptional work

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. 🙂

[@unknownknown8555]

Ahh... reminds me of the good old days when my mom would scream from the kitchen “USE A COASTER!!!”

[@Lovely-bj8ni]

T CNN

[@danmcq2047]

Thank you for your helpful video. I have an Edwardian oak draw leaf table which has four panels on the top with recesses/grooves around them. The grooves are parallel and vary between 1-3mm wide and 1-2mm deep. How would you suggest filling them? Thank you.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Dan Would you be able to email a few images of the table to me? Our email is on our website www.gilboys.co.uk I can advise you better when I can see what you are looking at. Best wishes Simon

[@tanyacaso4339]

I have bought a mid century Danish extending dining table where the 2 inner unused leaves that sat underneath are still dark stained in the tables original colour and the 2 extremity leaves that have been exposed to light are now bleached out, thus making the table 2 distinct colours when fully opened. Please advise how to get the colour even again. Do I follow this video and stripper it all, sand it down then stain with hard wax oil and then apply your Gold wax on top? Your advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Tanya. Sincere apologies for the delay. Our business has turned on its head (like many others in the past 10 months). Trying to even up faded colours on a dining table is very difficult. You are correct with your above comments. Once stripped and sanded (the sanding process will help even up the mismatched colours) you may want to stain the surface with a colour that closely matches your wood. (you may wish to do this twice) Once dried you can continue with the finishing process as I demonstrate in the video. I hope this helps Best wishes Simon

[@Stardust_Truth_Seeker]

Is it possible to lightly sand eg stag minstrel furniture to give it just a light sanding and then use pledge or something like furniture restoration oil

[@jodeeschumacher3492]

Would the products you have used be good for outdoor BBQ table. Plus we live in a high humid location in Queensland

[@GilboysRestoration]

Yes you can use an exterior hard wax oil for exterior tables. I would use an car wax polish to help weather proof it!

[@pamelaschlitz1011]

Can you tell us how to strip an antique pine wardrobe from its stain and wax ? And how to restain and wax it. Would I use the same process as shown here for the oak wood with pine wood?

[@pamelaschlitz1011]

Oh I watched it again and answered my own question thanks so much 🎉

[@gavincavell2990]

So to confirm, i have an antique Oak Card Table previously waxed. I want to take the Oak back to it's natural finish and re-wax. So i must strip with stripper, clean with white spirit, seal with sanding sealer (such as treatex) and then apply the Wax?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Gavin. When you say take it back to us it's 'natural finish' what do you mean? A period card table will more than likely be French Polished with a wax finish. If you want to clean the wax finish off, which I don't really recommend you do. You can clean it with with a soft cloth using warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly as you go. Once dry you can apply our wax. If you are wanting to remove all the finis, stripping it back to the bare wood, then I would recommend following the techniques I show in this video. I hope this helps kind regards Simon

[@lukebennett8773]

Hi there, I was wondering what you used to strip the wood in this video? I have tried Diall's stripper and varnish remover, but it is horrible stuff, and is very hard to get off afterwards, I have tried to search for what professionals use, but no luck so far. Thanks!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Luke. In this video I used a a chemical stripper with dichloromethane in it. (Paramose). I have just recently trialled a water-based stripper that worked very well on a mid century teak dining table. Hopefully we will be available to buy from us later this year. I hope you have success Simon

[@lukebennett8773]

@@GilboysRestoration thank you very much Simon, that sounds great, I would definitely be interested in purchasing from yourselves, as I have been "attempting" to restore quite a lot recently within my new character property.

[@ashleywright8686]

Did you clean the bottom half of the table before applying wax? Nice step if it’s not needed.

[@GilboysRestoration]

HI Ashley. No I didn't clean the base prior to waxing it. Its rarely necessary to do so. ✅

[@rogannaful]

Hi Simon. Fabulous video. Can you give any more info about the wax oil you use please? Thanks so much

[@GilboysRestoration]

rogannaful Hi! Thank you for watching our videos. In this video we used “Treatex Ultra” I believe we used the Matt one.

[@rogannaful]

@@GilboysRestoration sorry my thanks took so long!

[@rebeccaoliver7977]

My exact question as well!

[@rebeccaoliver7977]

@@GilboysRestoration Thank you for the terrific videos. I tried refinishing old family furniture when I was in college and long before KZbin. Now years later, with the same family antiques, I'm going to make another go at it and I think will have much better success thanks to your tutorials. My order of your products came yesterday! :-)

[@maryhiley1496]

Thanks, great video. Is it necessary to neutralise the wood if chemical stripper has not been used. I am working on an unvarnished antique pine dresser. Do you recommend any particular brand of wax oil. I want to retain the natural colour of the wood as much as possible. Mary

[@buttonman6262]

Would sanding between coats of oil and wax be worth the extra effort?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Yes. If you had a high traffic area I would be inclined to lightly sand (done very quickly) and re-coat with HWO. The great thing about using ours is it will overcoat the wax without having to remove it. ✅ Simon 🙂

[@buttonman6262]

@@GilboysRestoration Thanks Simon!👍🏻

[@James33389]

Thanks for the video, would you follow the same process for solid wood floorboards ? Or would there be any differences ?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi James. Yes you could use the same process for floorboards, if you were wanting to preserve the patination. But if you are looking at refinishing a larger floor area the easiest and fastest way is by using a floor sander. These can be hired or you can get a floor refinishing company to do it. ✅

[@tanyacaso4339]

I'm a bit confused about the sanding and neutralising order. Do you sand, then vacuum off , then put the Meths, then Sand again? Also in the video you apply the Oil after sanding but didn't vacuum the dust away. Surely the dust gets mixed in with the oil? Please clarify. Thank you, great video.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Tanya. We will always sand then vacuum off the surface. (as long as I remember to do so). We don't normally sand in this part of the workshop. We have a full air extraction booth where we would blow the dust off using compressed air. So this is a demonstration of how you can do it at home. I would very lightly sand after neutralising, just to smooth out the surface after the fluid has evaporated. Then vacuum off the dust, ready for your next process which is either staining (if you want to adjust the colour) and then sealing.

[@5markw]

Great video Is the wax oil you use the same as liquid beeswax? I can't find liquid wax oil as such. Thanks

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Mark. No its not liquid beeswax. It's a blend of natural oils, resins and waxes. There are a number of brands out there that supply it. hard wax oil. 🙂

[@5markw]

@@GilboysRestoration thanks for the prompt reply, very much appreciated. Regards.

[@stewbacca65]

I'm just enquiring about the Acetic Acid in the Methylated Spirit's is it already already in the Spirit's or do you add the Acetic Acid separately & if so to what quantities please?... 🤔 Kind regards, Stewart

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Stewart You don't have to add the acetic acid if you are using a water based stripper. It helps when using a chemical stripper, but it is not essential. I sometimes add 5% by volume. You can use pickling vinegar if you have some 🙂. I hope this helps Simon

[@dave77777777]

thanks!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Welcome!

[@egghead615]

Thanks for such a great and helpful video. It is mandatory to apply the liquid oil/wax before you finish with the paste wax?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Craig. Sorry for missing your comment. No it's not mandatory but the finish will be far more durable /practical if you do use a sealer first.

[@emilykrahn3185]

Are these good finishes-- the oil and the wax --for stained piece of mahogany? I've removed the old lacquer finish but it will be stained

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Emily. I'm sorry I'm not sure I understand what you mean? It doesn't matter what wood species you are stripping and refinishing. If you are staining the wood after you have stripped and prepared it then I would seal the stain in with a single, weak fad of french polish. (shellac) and then hard wax oil seal it as I demonstrate in the video. I hope this helps Simon

[@vivekdas7662]

After waxing do we need to apply varnish to the wood ?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Vivek. I'm not sure why you want to varnish? The whole point of this video is to demonstrate how you can apply one or two coats of hard wax oil and wax polish it. Leaving you with a natural looking, practical finish. Leave the varnish on the shelf. 😀 kind regards Simon

[@JackRT2502]

Great tutorial. I want to wax polish a kitchen bench top and I was looking up the internet on how to do it. I've looked at a few but after watching this video I'm settling for your method. Can you tell me what the sealer is please? I either missed it or you didn't mention it.

[@Ionabrodie69]

I believe he said it was the hard wax oil.. 🙂

[@barbaraappleford178]

Thank you so much for your informative video. I am about to start this process on an old sideboard but it has some engravings and ornate wood design so just wondered if there is any easy way to get stubborn colour out of these areas? If I have to sand them, I am afraid I will damage them. Any tips very gratefully received.

[@TheJenirainbow]

I have the same question, having recently acquired a vintage table which has a carved border around the edge of the table top (on the horizontal surface, not the vertical edge) I would like to know the best way to restore the top, which is not in great condition.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Barbara. Sorry for the huge delay. The past twelve months have been challenging. When looking at stripping the finish from furniture, if you need to remove the finish because it is beyond saving then we strip, *but* when it comes to carved relief areas we always try to leave them well alone. Ask yourself does it need stripping? Or can it be left alone during the stripping process and later blend it in during the finishing process. If you have to strip the carved area because its painted or the finish has disintegrated so much it has to be stripped then we get stuck in with the stripper and coarse wire wool. We also use anything that comes to hand that will help extract the waste material. This can be old dental tools, a small wire brush, a whittled dowel or piece of wood, (known to me as a quirking stick) a trimmed old credit card or plastic wood filler scraper /applicator. Basically anything you can think of that won't harm the wood surface but will help clean the material out. I'm sorry if this is too late for you but it may help others. Best wishes Simon.

[@mattwright3768]

What hard wax oil do you recommend.

[@ernieferguson6346]

Have you ever done any antique Singer treadle sewing machines it wood parts I'm restoring one and I'm wondering whether they originally used wax or the shellac

[@ernieferguson6346]

Personally I really like your method it seems a lot more old-fashioned and like the fact that you're using natural things like beeswax and I'm sure any colors would be from tree resins I always like that idea

[@GilboysRestoration]

​@@ernieferguson6346 Hi Ernie. We have re-polished many Singer machines over the years. The 19th and early 20th century ones were shellac finished. I would say that the ones from the second quarter of the 20th century onwards were nitrocellulose finished. When it comes to finishing it would depend on what purpose the owner has in mind. If it is to be kept as a historical piece and the owner is careful then yes, french polish the piece and wax finish it. If the owner wants to use it as a functional piece and like many use it as a working table then maybe a tougher finish may need considering. I hope this helps. And good luck.