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

Antique furniture restoration expert Simon Gilboy demonstrates how to restore old wood furniture with a natural finish, allowing the grain of the timber to shine through. In this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide, Simon breathes new life to an old solid oak dining table.
You Will Need:
- Beeswax furniture polish (Buy from Gilboys: bit.ly/2XhjQcq)
- Cotton buffing cloth (Buy from Gilboys: bit.ly/2XekpnB)
- '0000' grade wire wool (Buy from Gilboys: bit.ly/2Xg249A)
- Pure beeswax scratch repair filler block (Buy from Gilboys: bit.ly/2XhU5sG)
- Paint Stripper
- Methylated spirits/denatured alcohol (if chemical stripper used)
- Acetic acid AKA: Pickling Vinegar (if chemical stripper used)
- Gloves to protect your hands
- Goggles to protect your eyes
- Worn or cut-down two inch brush
- Coarse wire wool or cabinet scraper (Buy from Gilboys: bit.ly/3TZoWKE)
- 120 grit sandpaper
- 320 grit sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Face mask
- Masking tape
- Kitchen scrubber
- Wax oil
Steps:
How to apply stripper 1:44
How to remove stripper: 3:05
How to key the surface: 6:06
How to neutralise the wood: 8:48
How to prepare the wood for wax oil: 10:35
How to apply wax oil: 11:10
How to de-nib: 13:06
How to apply beeswax polish: 13:54
How to repair holes and scratches: 16:53
How to buff wax for a natural finish: 21:23
How to apply wax to turned table legs: 23:46
Before and after comparison: 28:04
Social Links:
/ gilboyspolish
/ gilboysantiques
/ gilboysantiques

[@grahameakagromkelly7278]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

You're very welcome. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.🙄🇬🇧

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@shergywergy]

Best restoration video on KZbin.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you.

[@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

[@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.

[@alistairmacrae4870]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

Go for it!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@dixie002]

Great to watch a master craftsman at work

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks for watching.

[@markjarman7819]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you 😊

[@reedfinn7826]

Simon reminds me of Tim Vine! Thoroughly watchable!

[@MB-cx2ks]

You are the best teacher.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you.

[@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.

[@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. 🙂

[@cassyburton6813]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Cassy. Glad it helped.

[@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. :-)

[@reedfinn7826]

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

[@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

[@vintageeveryday2020]

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

[@annettevandenbos6897]

Thank you very much, greetings from Holland

[@GilboysRestoration]

You are welcome.

[@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 !

[@shelleyfield3128]

Amazing. Thank you.

[@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.

[@revampgsy1886]

fab tutorial ive learned a lot today..thank you

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you for your feedback

[@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

[@Kiki-7]

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

[@Fiorentini333]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

You are so welcome. 🙂

[@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?

[@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

[@Cradley684]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Brian. I hope it helps.

[@mauricioaguilaragueda]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. That s very kind. ☺️

[@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.

[@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.

[@kathywhitaker11]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you ! 😀

[@davidfoulkes8907]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

We're glad you enjoyed watching David

[@unknownknown8555]

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

[@Lovely-bj8ni]

T CNN

[@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.

[@user-jx3qm1oy9u]

Well done very good job

[@danimordecai7611]

Amazing skills 👍

[@breathandrelaxstayhealthy150]

Educational and useful. Thank you so much for uploading ❤️

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you Anna. x

[@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

[@seeyouagain9436]

Beautiful. Thanks for the helpful information

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you for watching.

[@shaundowns493]

Beautiful finish, thank you for sharing

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. 😊

[@thebarnacles866]

Thank you! That was great

[@GilboysRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@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

[@Wheel333]

Looks fantastic thanks some great tips. 🙏❤️🙏

[@GilboysRestoration]

You are so welcome

[@drunkenmunky07]

Very helpful Thanks

[@andrewjackson4264]

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

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thanks Andrew. I hope you have success.

[@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. ✅

[@matthewdickson7838]

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

[@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!

[@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. ✅

[@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.

[@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!

[@redhed9776]

Instead of using your good metal cabinet scraper, use an auto body plastic scraper...no chemical reaction and it works just the same...also works with wood fillers.

[@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

[@francesburke6983]

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

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@dave77777777]

thanks!

[@GilboysRestoration]

Welcome!

[@antidoteify]

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

[@ashleywright8686]

“We’re going to use our own wax because, well, it’s brilliant.” 🥰 Yep, I bet it is! “Too bad” I live in the United States. Thoroughly enjoyed your informative video.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Ashley. Many thanks fro your comments. I hope the video helps you. In the past 18 months we have shipped our polish to every single state in the United States 🙂. Don't just take my word for it. Take a look at the reviews on our website. I don't write them 😁 gilboys.co.uk/pages/reviews Best wishes Simon

[@ashleywright8686]

@@GilboysRestoration thank you so much for your response to my comment. Love(!) your videos! My BIL is from Cambridge. Love the Brits! 🇬🇧

[@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

[@benchippy8039]

Hi simon, great video thank you, this is the second time I’ve watched it! How long do you think the whole process took, not including the video work obviously. I’m weighing up painting my table legs & sanding and oiling top vs your method here

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Ben. Thank you. I would plan on about a days work from start to finish. The majority of the work is in the preparation. It will very depend on how easy or difficult the old finish strips away from the table. After stripping I would recommend leaving the table to air dry overnight before applying any finishing materials, just to help prevent any retarded drying of the finish. I hope this helps. Best wishes Simon

[@djsmyth7529]

Thanks for this video, it"s really helped me refresh a couple of pieces. Do you mind if I ask what stripper and wax oil you use?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. I would recommend Enviromose stripper and either Osmo Oil or Treatex Ultra hardwax oil

[@joeslambo]

exceptional work

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you. 🙂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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. ✅

[@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! :-)

[@raymondoreilly7569]

Hi there, I have a whole in my table what would you recommend, masking underneath and fill it with wax.......?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Raymond. Email me a few photo's of the table and I will try my best to advise you of the best way to approach the repair. email: [e-mail]

[@roar40s]

Sell it to a massage parlour.

[@seanbeautridge99]

Brilliant, thank you

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you for your feedback Sean

[@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. ✅

[@andrewharper8991]

Nice 👌

[@GilboysRestoration]

SprayLad Thanks

[@osvaldofernandez9562]

Great tutorial and thanks for sharing, if I may ask: why use a stripper instead of sanding the surface to remove the old finishing? thank you so much.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Osvaldo. Only on rare occasions would we not use a stripper. We use stripper because it only removes the old finish, This is very necessary when dealing with period furniture. Using a sander is often way to aggressive and will often lead to damaging a piece of furniture. This is especially important when dealing with veneered furniture. It can be ruined in minutes by using a sander with a coarse grit. It is also very important when removing period but unsalvageable finishes, when wish to retain as much of the wood patination as possible. I hope this helps. I have just produced a video demonstrating what can happen if sensitive (veneered or period) furniture is heavily sanded using an electric sander, it will be released later in October 2020 Best wishes Simon

[@osvaldofernandez9562]

@@GilboysRestoration thank you so much for the time you took for a very helpful answer.

[@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

[@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 🎉

[@Istebrak]

I have a question. Can I use some of the more pure sanding dust to form a paste with wood glue or other mixer to fill in some of that discoloration/recess?

[@GilboysRestoration]

you can indeed!

[@141sharon270]

For stubborn marks you could use bleach applied with medium wire wool, I worked for a company that restored antique chairs and all seating items, I watched the old pro's at work.

[@blitzen74]

I have an old 1800's French country oak table that is similar to this one. The four planks that make up the top of mine have pulled apart a bit, creating gaps. The planks are also not flat anymore, each a bit concave. The gaps catch food and water which is not good and the gaps and concavity make the table a bit frustrating to use. Would I be destroying the piece if I sanded it flat and filled the gaps with the bee's wax and then apply the finish as you did here?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Brian . Email a few images of the table to me. ([e-mail]) so I can best advise. My first thought is not to fill the gaps with anything but to carefully remove the top and separate the individual planks out, clean the edges and rejoin them. I would guess that they are butt-joined so there are no complicated joints to replicate making it a relatively simple repair (as long as you have the basic tools). I would avoid sanding the surface, It would probably take a very, very long time to get it flat and you will take out all those years of patination. (send me a photograph) Your problem does highlight an often debated restoration question: The functional justification of restoring antique or period furniture, at what point does the restoration have to stop or how far can one go before it is deemed as 'ruined' or 'devalued' but at the same time have a functional practical use? There are many factors that can determine the answer: Without restoration or repair is it usable? Who made it? When? How many were made, one, two, hundreds? What woods were used? The type of construction? Does it directly reflect or identify with a particular period in history? Has it been 'restored' before? If yes was it done correctly? if not then should it be corrected or left alone? And a very important one is it £ $ worth it? Or does it have sentimental value in which case financial value is mainly overlooked? Many thanks for watching and your comments. Simon

[@blitzen74]

@@GilboysRestoration Just e-mailed you a few photographs.

[@tiffnickk]

Some questions: how would this hold up to daily use with kids? Sturdy enough? Or is this more of a look, don’t touch finish? What would cleaning this off look like? Wet rag ok? Finally when re-waxing the top yearly or so is it just that final step of wax and buff? Or does it require more? I have a dining table I’d like to refinish but it gets constant use with children and I want something practical too.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Tiffany. Sorry I missed your comment. Yes this is a good finish for daily use. And yes a wet cloth would be fine to clean it with. The final step of waxing is just a case of applying and buffing as I demonstrate here. You can always apply another coat of hardwax oil. It will overcoat the wax polish without any problem. 😉

[@mrbillhicks]

I wonder if this process would work on a veneer ?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Yes it does. The centre panels of this table are veneered. ✅🙂

[@MrJeremyNako]

Always enjoy your videos, and I've ordered some products to make a start on a small project. One question if I may - how resistant is the wax to heat ? Would you still have waxed if the table was to have irregular heated surfaces (such as a hot dish for example) placed on it, or would you have finished with another product ?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Jeremy, Beeswax polishes are intended as a sacrificial layer, they are inteded to protect the finish underneath and to enhance the finish. so instead of your beautifully finished table or whatever it may be being damaged, the beeswax polish takes the brunt of it, and you can simply repolish. i hope this helps, kind regards Archie Newnham-Dibley

[@MrJeremyNako]

@@GilboysRestoration Many thanks Archie - keep up the great work on the videos, and keep safe !

[@kcconaty5270]

What is the name of the liquid 1st application to the table .👍