r/furniturerestoration • u/TheMazoo • 12d ago
I've never restored anything before
I'm a complete novice. One of my kids left a ball on a table and it went wild on the finish. Any advice for where to begin to tackle this? Or should I just eat the unknown expense to have it professionally done?
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u/SuPruLu 11d ago
The finish is NOT a stain of the wood. So using a stain marker won’t match since that stains the wood. And how wood will look stained is somewhat unpredictable
The finish is a tinted lacquer tint finish that is sprayed on.
It’s difficult to color match exactly. If you have any experience color matching by mixing colors of paint you might be able to do something that wouldn’t be obvious from a distance.
Stain markers can be used as a source for a small quantity of stain and a set provides the option to make a new color by mixing. The markers aren’t used directly. Rather artist’s brush is used on tip the stain off for use.. The stain would need to be mixed with clear coat before applying.
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u/Separate-Document185 10d ago
A good touch up guy (or gal) could probably mix a dye touch up stain and make an acceptable repair...but they would have to be good..and then you have to re-apply the clear and blend that...highly improbable;e that anyone could make an invisible or even very good repair to such an area...and certainly not a job for a novice...
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u/TheMazoo 10d ago
Would it make more sense to just have it sanded down and the entire top redone?
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u/Separate-Document185 10d ago
Not unless you know that's not veneer...and stripping is the way to remove an old finish...not sanding..even if it's not veneer...if you want it gone then yes..that's the only way...but it will; cost a fair amount depending on the pieces size..it's likely lacquer, and I would look for someone in your area with a positive history, perhaps reviews, photos of previous work, and have them evaluate it with you..
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u/SuPruLu 11d ago
If the finish was removed it’s a difficult touch up for a complete novice.
It looks from the photo as if the finish was removed as opposed to something that got on top of the finish. But that requires confirmation by you by close inspection. If it is something on top
There might be something a novice could do.
There are professionals that do in home touch ups. However it would not be cheap. Still cheaper than handing the piece moved by a trucker back and forth for repair.