COASTAL HOME & GARDEN

In epic novels, great treasures are often hidden in the unlikeliest of places. The same can be said of some of the home’s great treasures.

Beautiful wood is often hidden underneath built-up grime, old finishes or paint, carpeting or tile. As homeowners are looking for ways to make the most of their home’s comfort and value, many are discovering the hidden treasures they have in reclaimed furniture and hardwood floors.

The Big Finish

Sometimes a piece just needs to be cleaned, and there are products that will remove years of dirt and grime without disturbing the original finish. But other times, the condition of the piece calls for complete refinishing. You can remove the finish yourself, or as many folks prefer, you can have the piece professionally stripped.

Once you are down to bare wood, it’s time to select a stain color. Bruce Johnson, woodworking author and craftsman, says, "Available are a variety of stains, from oil-based stains, in both traditional and gel-based formulations, to water-based stains."

The advantage of water-based stains is that they are extremely fast drying, low odor, and require just soap and water cleanup. Depending on the size, you can complete a project from start to finish in one day.

Johnson recommends that you always test your chosen stain on a hidden area of wood or a scrap piece of wood that is the same kind that you’ll be staining. "Every piece of wood is unique," he says, "and the final stain color may vary even within the same species of wood."

Applying a clear topcoat gives a durable, protective finish. Johnson recommends multiple coats of fast-drying polyurethane or water-based polycrylic protective finish.

Beauty Under Foot

Hardwood flooring is durable, comfortable and brings warmth and character to any room. Good maintenance can extend the life of a floor finish for many years. To take care of a sealed hardwood floor, you should:

• Vacuum or sweep at least once a week.
• Dust mop in between weekly cleanings to help eliminate fine particles.
• Clean up spills and tracked-on dirt immediately. For best results, use a specially formulated wood cleaner for everyday cleaning and common spills.
• Use doormats or area rugs by door entries to keep the dirt out.
• Install felt furniture glides to minimize scrapes and gouges.
• Keep the relative humidity in your home between 45 and 55 percent. Excessive humidity can cause wood fibers to swell and crack the finish.

Giving new life to old wood is a labor of love that provides years of beauty and elegance. What treasures are waiting to be discovered in your home?

For more on caring for wood floors and furniture, visit minwax.com.

Courtesy of Family Features