When it comes to fixing your wood furniture, it’s important to have the right tools to get the job done right. You don’t need the most exotic or expensive toolkit, but be prepared to spend a little extra on high-quality tools. Having good tools will make repairs go smoother, and can make the difference between a shoddy restoration versus a flawless finish. Here’s a list of what you need in your tool collection, whether you’re looking to restore a piece of furniture and sell it, or just keep it in your home.

The Basics

These are the essential tools you should have on hand for any restoration project. Here’s a quick preview of what we included on our list:

• Sandpaper and sanding blocks
• Silicone sealant or wood putty
• Primer
• Wood Stain
• Varnish
• Cloth Tools

Sandpaper and Sanding Blocks

Sandpaper is used to remove the finish from wood and prepare pieces of wood as bare and ready for restoration. It also gives the wood a rough surface that helps primer, stain or paint stick to the wood. There are different grades of sandpaper categorized by grit, which measures coarseness and the size of the abrasive particles on the surface of the sandpaper.

Generally, fine-grit sandpaper is the best utility sandpaper – it smooths scratches left by coarser grades and can make a surface rougher before applying paint. You can also use it to sand drywall.

Tip: Sometimes sanding can take too long or won’t work in tight corners. In these situations, you can use a chemical stripper to remove paint. Stripper is faster and doesn’t leave behind a mess of dust like sanding, but it’s more expensive and contains harsh chemicals that can produce fumes. Use with caution!

Wood Putty or Silicone Sealant

Also called wood filler, wood putty helps cover up any gaps or cracks in wooden furniture. Most often, these gaps occur in cupboards, skirting boards, and kitchens. If you’re working on furniture that will be in a damp area, consider other sealants as alternatives. Use a scraper or putty knife to apply the wood putty. An acrylic sealant can perform the same job as wood putty and dries faster. It can also be painted over. Silicone sealant is another option. You can’t paint over it, but silicone sealant comes in a variety of colors to make it blend in as much as possible with the wood. Silicone sealant forms a waterproof, airtight seal over gaps and cracks and adheres to non-oily wood.

Primer

Before you get started painting your furniture, you should apply a primer; this will ensure the paint sticks to the wood and help the color shine through. For dark-colored paint, use a gray primer. For lighter paint color, use white primer. You should apply two to three thin layers of primer to the wood, depending on the condition and original color of the furniture. You’ll want to wait until the primer is completely dry before applying the paint or wood stain.

Wood Stain

Changing the color of a furniture piece with paint or stain is one of the biggest parts of any restoration project. It should be noted that paint and stain are not the same thing! Paint lies on the surface of the wood, while stain is absorbed into it.

Paint is better for covering and hiding flaws in finished wood. It’s also more uniform and comes in a variety of colors. Although it’s up to your own preferences, if you want to enhance the natural beauty of the wood, stain is the way to go. It’s quicker and less expensive than painting. There are several types of stain to choose from:

• Water-based Stain: A water-based stain is the easiest to work with–they allow the user more flexibility and room for error. They also easily adhere to wood that was previously stained with an oil base, making them ideal for a quick fix that finishes dry.
• Oil-based Stain: Although stains with an oil base emit a potent order and are trickier to use, they’re a more permanent solution for the long run. They require less maintenance long term and are more durable than water-based stains. They have a more even finish, which makes the stain look nicer over time.
• Gel Stain: This is another good option for beginners. Gel stains, like paint, sit on top of the wood rather than sink in. They give color and depth without covering up the wood’s unique texture and grain.

Varnish

After you paint on primer and stain or paint, it’s time to apply varnish. Varnish essentially seals the paint job and protects it from outside elements and gives your furniture a glossier, more vibrant finish. Varnish is especially important for furniture that is used frequently and prone to wear and tear, such as a table chair or bed frame.

Cloth Tools

There are many varieties of cloth tools that will be helpful for refinishing furniture. Even a simple rag or an old t-shirt is helpful for wiping your hands, tools, and brushes. For small scratches on furniture, you can also buff with a soft cloth made of microfiber. This will help smooth out the scratches. You can also use a microfiber or tack cloth to gently wipe away dirt and particles from sanded surfaces.

Tools for Repairs

Furniture restoration and repair often go hand in hand. Here are some important repair tools to have on hand. Go through this list and make a note of what you need or don’t have.

• Backsaw: Any saw can cut wood into small pieces or strips. The best saw for restoration purposes is a backsaw, a square-ended saw with a stiffening rib opposite on the cutting edge. This feature gives the user better control over the tool and more precise cutting.
• Claw Hammer: Claw hammers are used for driving nails in or out of wood. They can also be used for small demolition tasks like tearing and splitting wood or drywall.
• Clamps: Clamps are an incredibly important tool for restoration, repair, or construction for edge gluing wood together. Bar clamps are one common type of clamp used for repairs. They have adjustable arms to fit the piece being worked on, so it’s easier to hold the piece tightly.
• Polyurethane Foam: Did you know you could use expanding foam on furniture repairs? Read our full guide on repairs with polyurethane foam to learn how to insulate your doors, windows, attic, or basement, and repair wood.

Stock Up for Furniture Repair at Silicone Depot

Silicone sealant can play an important role in sealing furniture pieces together, protecting wood from the elements, and can even be used in place of wood putty to fill gaps and cracks. At Silicone Depot, we carry an impressive variety of silicone, caulk, and foam products for your next big furniture restoration project. You can trust Silicone Depot to always carry the best products at the most affordable price. Shop Silicone Depot today for your DIY needs!