Using Restor-a-Finish on a Quick Flip

Restor-a-Finish is chosen to prepare a mahogany table for sale.

[@hremaddox]

I enjoy your stories. Usually I like to hear people get right to the content, but your stories are enjoyable

[@MultiFlange1]

Very helpful. I did a small job using these same products a couple of weeks ago, but this video gave me a lot of added knowledge to do a better job. Thanks!

[@mcm.walnuter3479]

First time seeing the restore finished used. I've seen it in the stores for a long time. Thanks

[@morganpankratz1856]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm restoring two chairs to use as temporary placeholders until we get nicer chairs/furniture in a couple years. This is the perfect fix and require minimal time and money!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for this video. I bought a can of this a while ago, but I've hesitated to used it as I wasn't sure how well it would work. Seems like a good option for tight budget repairs. Nice work

[@WilliamCatoUI]

I love restore a finish for quick flips. I even use it on my own furniture when they get little scuffs. I didn't know about the wax though. Good idea.

[@janeyjill3256]

I was doing a search on the restofinish product, and got super lucky finding you! Thanks a bunch.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad I could help!

[@curtischildress9580]

I'm sold! Restor-a-Finish is now on my list. I'd never heard of it but often needed it. Only during this last year have I watched so much KZbin restoration videos. There are pieces I own that will benefit from this product. I don't operate a furniture business or anything. I'll remember to stay within the original color-make family when choosing finish colors. Will this product work as well on veneer? Sorry if I missed any such remark you made on the subject. ...The wax is also interesting but you say not necessary. Though the wax does leave a nice shine. ...This one single video is now going to lead me into some projects I've avoided due to feeling overwhelmed at how to handle them. Thanks a million. ...And, yes, collected cookbooks by the ladies' groups back here in VA are a major thing and shared fun for them. My mother belonged to different groups and they all had cookbooks as a fundraising project.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I really don't use it that often, as most of my work now are full refinishing jobs. It's a good alternative to a full refinish when it works as it should. Try it out on a piece. Test a small area first before you jump into it and make sure it's working as you would like it to. Good luck.

[@action781]

I used this on veneer just yesterday and I am impressed with the results. I used it over some scratches and you can no longer notice the scratches unless the light hits them right.

[@RoeRoe123]

Love that round table. Looks great!

[@johnleavey356]

I enjoyed your presentation. Thanks.

[@vikkiflaig4735]

Thanks so much for explaining products, what they do and why used and when

[@sharit7970]

That little table came out nice! Very informative, thanks for posting!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad you liked it!

[@supergran1702]

So helpful! Thank you for showing it after the wax too.

[@doncampbell853]

Matching clamps and they all have their clamp pads. We have one of the Vanderbilts here lol. Thanks for the video I was surprised how well the Restore-a-Finish worked. I use a lot of the colored Briiwax but I will give that a try

[@LostMountainRestoration]

LOL. Home Depot had those clamps on sale a year or so ago in sets of 4. I bought two sets. I use them all the time and like them a lot. I don't use Restore-a-Finish often, but when I do, it's just the ticket. Thanks for watching.

[@QueenCityHistory]

I know the church recipe books very well..in Missouri there are tons! They have the best recipes

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Yes, they are real treasures in my opinion. I came from a family where food was the center of every celebration (perhaps you can tell by looking at me - LOL). I appreciate family recipes and traditions.

[@sylviaglover9313]

Thanks. This was really useful to me.

[@rosedalepaint]

Great video! Lots of info!

[@CoolDaysEnd]

Thanks pal! nice work!

[@heidikurz6609]

Hey from Woodstock Ga! Lovin your videos! Ty

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Hey Neighbor! Thanks for watching!

[@chrystalgriswold9936]

Thank you!

[@chadhilk]

I've debated with myself about top-coating Restore-a-Finish and have usually done what you did. However, I have waited a few days and top coated with spray shellac and haven't had any adverse reaction. Thanks again for your videos!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Chad, thanks for the great tip! I love learning from others. Knowing that you can shellac over this makes me wonder if you could seal it up in shellac and then top coat over it with lacquer or poly. I may have to try this down the road. Thanks again for your great tip!

[@rebeccaskkmclatcher5912]

Chad Hilkemeie

[@vikkiflaig4735]

What can you use to get screws out that will not come out without spilitting furniture

[@garymarlow9612]

In the Captain Obvious category, sometimes you can tighten up the fit of the joint between the legs and the table by driving the screws farther into the leg by just a hair. The dab of glue is still added for insurance however. Also, I really appreciate you showing the use of the Restor-A-Finish. I have a project that it might be just the ticket for! Garfish WoodCraft

[@bsd9230]

Does this product, can this product significantly DARKEN a piece of almost brand new furniture from like reddish/cherry to dark mahogany/brownish almost black? What color would you reccomend?

[@kklunker]

Thank You!! This is exactly the information I was looking for on the Restore-a-finish for a antique dresser I need to fix some water spots on. This should work perfect since the rest of the dresser is in great condition. I appreciate your detailed information and willingness to share your knowledge with us. If I use the Restore-A-finish, can the dresser still be easily stripped and refinished later? Or will the Restore-A-Finish make that a much harder or literally “messier” project?

[@sharonfarquhar6048]

Thanks so much from Australia 🇦🇺

[@LostMountainRestoration]

You are very welcome.

[@craigbriner6326]

Well done. Thank you.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Thank you.

[@jasonogren5135]

Nice finish

[@oldproji]

Water marks can also be removed with gentle heat. A professional finisher might use alcohol over the surface and burn it off, repeating the process if needed. I have used a hair dryer with great success, however, it doesn't work on all finishes.

[@barbaracook8776]

thank you .. great video😊

[@conniepleasantnails]

Does this product have a strong smell

[@adrielrowley]

They also make a clear, which is the first and only can I bought. Hope this helps.

[@handplanepastor8558]

There's enough wood on the "iPad" holder that one could insert an outlet for charging. You could do it in the base and have the cord run through the space between the feet.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Good idea!

[@jant375]

Can you use this on a treadle sewing machine cabinet top, front and drawers? I need to replace the veneer on the top cabinet hinged piece but the rest of the cabinet may be able to be refinished with this product. I hope.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I guess it depends on how badly the finish is worn and what you want it to look like when you are through. Perhaps give it a try on one drawer or a small piece of the cabinet and see how you like it. If it looks good to you, give it a whirl. Worst case scenario is that you'll have to refinish it, but you are facing that without the Restore-a-Finish, so I guess you don't have much to risk. Good luck with it! Thanks for watching.

[@phoozchic]

Greetings from NE GA! That turned out real nice! Thanks for sharing! Does Feed & Wax soften up after time? Does it need to be stripped off after awhile and reapplied? I have a solid maple (?) 1960s era two level "colonial style" end table that I'm trying to assess as to how to restore. I'm ok up to the wax part! I remember paste wax furniture days and its not especially a fond memory! Would prefer to top coat unless the wax is a hard finish that doesn't build up, soften up or haze out. Thanks

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Feed and wax is something I use as a final coating when I rub out the piece or polish it up before I move it on. I don't think it should be used as a top coat and frankly, you can skip it if you aren't a big fan.

[@phoozchic]

Thanks LMR! I think I will do a few samples on some scrap wood and see how I like it. (Chad H's comment below) I plan to keep the table or give it to one of the kids. Picked it up for under $8 and will probably spend 3x that on restoration! Ah well, its fun. Your videos are inspiring. Thanks.

[@ivonneraef8661]

Love watching your videos! You're extremely detailed in your steps to restoring furniture and I truly appreciate it. I've learned so much just by watching your videos. I have a question and was wondering if you could help me. I recently came upon a Lane Acclaim lamp table, but the legs are relatively loose. I've tried knocking them out with a rubber mallet, but the center spokes are in pretty tight, it's just the four legs that are loose. I couldn't get them out of the joint and I don't want risk damage to the table. What would you recommend? Thank you!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Hi Ivonne and thank you for your kind words. I am happy you find the videos helpful. I use heat to help release the glue in leg joints. If you check out "Lane Acclaim Challenge" and "Restoration of a Nichols and Stone Rocker" you will see how I do it. Be careful with the heat so you don't scorch the wood or bubble the finish. 2 minutes on a joint, while moving the heat gun around the joint should do it. Work the leg around gently and pull up as you go and it should come out. Word of caution: Check first that someone hasn't put nails or screws in to hold it fast. If so, they need to come out first. Good luck and let me know if I can help further.

[@debrapolenz4962]

So why didn't you use the steel wool on the dresser to address the scratches better like it tells you to?

[@catbee1452]

Well you may have purchased two tables that you didn't intend to, BUT, you got all those church recipe books which will make up for all the effort on those tables:)

[@MrJandslegate]

Could you potentially do this on kitchen cabinets that need a refresh , but in a rental so can't actually refinish them?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I suppose. I'm not an expert in kitchen cabinet restoration. Maybe try a bit on the inside of a lower door or somewhere unobtrusive. If you like what you see, move forward carefully and hopefully you will get a pleasing result. Good luck!

[@ipwee]

Thanks for the video. In your opinion what's the best way to clean an antique table (general dirt and grime) before you use restor-a-finish.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

It depends on the type and amount of dirt you are dealing with. I generally use a solution of warm water, Dawn dish detergent and perhaps some TSP. You can also step it up with some commercial cleaner like Krud-Kutter, which is best sprayed onto a damp rag and then applied and wiped off. I also dry the wood as soon as I clean it, using a soft towel.

[@ipwee]

@@LostMountainRestoration Thanks for the reply, I got after it this morning with some Murphy's wood cleaner. It did a fine job. I let it dry, refinished it and waxed this afternoon. It turned out great.

[@leb7860]

Steel wool leaves fibers in the finish

[@chuckfarlie6133]

Where do you sell your flips? Very curious. I’m local and want to do the same. Any help to offer would be great.

[@xoMiaBambinaxo]

Can you sand the piece first? I have an antique tiger oak I'm finishing and I want to use golden oak, can I lightly sand this first by chance?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I don't see why not. Be careful you don't sand through the top coat and you may want to test your plan on a small unobtrusive part of the piece before you move forward - good luck.

[@kristinamckinney7397]

Why didn’t you apply the restore a finish before putting the top pieces back on?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I honestly don't remember. It may have been because I didn't want to get anything in the holes where the repair was to be glued. Thanks for watching!

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

How well does it hold up and how long does it last? How well would it work on kitchen cabinets? Thanks.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

In my opinion it's a cosmetic fix for pieces that won't get a ton of hard use. I you are looking to simply spruce up a cabinet, you may be able to give it a try.

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

@@LostMountainRestoration Thanks.

[@fredcdobbs823]

You said you don't have an industrial chemistry background, but would you now the difference between Restore-A-Finish, Old English, & "scratch cover"? It seems they are variations of your oil-dye-solvent observation.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

My understanding is Restore-A-Finish amalgamates the old finish and introduces a dye. Old English is a kind of scratch cover and it is simply an oil with color in it. That's the best I can do for you with my background. Thanks for watching!

[@williambranham6249]

loved this video.

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@halliefry4477]

Great video. Can restor-a-finish be used to stain a blonde piece of furniture dark?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I would not recommend it. Changing color that drastically normally requires a full strip and refinish. Sometimes you can spray toner to darken the original but you need to be quite accomplished at both application as well as knowing what to do to prevent adhesion issues as some finishes are incompatible.

[@stevejellison672]

Why wouldn’t you finish the top before you glue the rails back

[@maggiesue4825]

Now I know what to do with that s water ring on my piano. Thank you!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I hope it works for you.

[@califdad4]

I have a table almost like that, mine might be a bit better quality one looks like it could have come from Ethan Allen in the 1960's, as mine looks a bit heavier than this one, its in pretty good shape except for a small burn which is covered with coaster, I would imagine years ago someone had a ash try on it, its kind of what they did with these tables in those days. I got it for free and its small enough to float next to a chair with a coaster on it for a drink. I actually like it, one year I used it to set a small fake Christmas tree on.

[@cindyedwards6924]

Does Restore-A-Finish wipe away, soak in, etc. and the problems show back up?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Hi Cindy. Let me preface my answer by saying that I don't have any pieces in my home that Restore-a-Finish was used on, so I don't have any first hand knowledge of how it holds up for the long term. My understanding, however, is that no, it doesn't wipe off or soak in, but that you will need to wax it occasionally if the shine starts to dull. Perhaps another viewer could comment if they have any direct knowledge on the long term durability of the finish? One knowledgeable viewer commented that after several weeks, you can put a barrier coat of shellac over the Restore-a-Finish and then top coat as you normally would. I haven't tried that, but I am passing it along. I hope this helps you and thanks for watching.

[@janetsmith9486]

Question if I want to darken my kitchen cabinets can I use this product

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I wouldn't recommend it for that purpose.

[@Nothingisavailible]

8:30 / for the restore a finish how to

[@nikxohs3925]

you should finish table before to add the rails

[@mariaortiz-jl3qo]

Thank very much good job

[@roshanakdezfooli8065]

We can use any kind of steel wool?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I use 0000 to prevent scratching the finish.

[@Araconox]

May be important to use the 4/0 steel wool 'against' the grain of the steel wool to minimize scratching in our experience.

[@buellstud]

Have you had any luck using restor a finish on a tung oil finish?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I don't believe I have ever tried it. If it's a real tung oil finish, you should be able to clean and apply a new coat. If it's tung oil varnish, then I think you may need to test it first to see if it is compatible. You may also wish to contact the manufacturer, they would certainly know. Hope this helps.

[@GrowLLLTigeRRR]

So, the restore a finish would not be a good choice for a valuable piece?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

It all depends on your budget, the value of the piece and what outcome you are hoping for. Thanks for watching!

[@GrowLLLTigeRRR]

Would you use it to restore furniture that you plan to keep for yourself rather than to flip?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Probably not, but I have a shop and the tools to do a refinish job a lot faster than most people can. I guess it's up to the individual.

[@otrdriver6767]

Sign me up for this.

[@TheDudeAbides-247]

Nice! Did you make money on these pieces?

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I believe a bit. It was some time ago, now.

[@andrewholdaway813]

Argh. Space invader just to the right of the table legs!

[@debrapolenz4962]

The top doesn't even look like its the right one for the legs, totally different wood and finish.

[@mthivier]

For what it is, it isn't a bad little table (especially after you Restor-a-Finished it). Certainly nicer than some disposable particleboard monstrosity from Ikea. It would be nice in a family room or a den. ...... So it sounds like, from what you say, that Restore-a-Finish more or less compromises the piece. I have occasionally used it on my grandmother's antique Queen Anne mahogany highboy....guess I shouldn't have done that. :) .....

[@jacksprat3100]

I can still see the water mark

[@debrapolenz4962]

Not sure why you say you chose it to restore a mahogany table then you talk about oak.

[@spencerbergquist781]

I would have left those ugly finials & handles junk off, filled up the holes, and made a nicer table.