Best Furniture Polish for Antiques and Wooden Surfaces

Love picking out antiques and old wooden furniture for your home? Then you probably know that polishing doesn’t come cheap and often takes the extra effort of finding the right carpenter who can restore as well as polish. What if you could simply restore and polish at home? Here are some simple recipes to make your own wood polish and let your furniture shine away.

What You Need

• Water
• white vinegar
• olive oil
• spray bottle

Why Polish Wooden Furniture?

Embracing a new hobby during the pandemic has been a positive trend. Stepping away from digital screens, we can also contribute by maintaining our wooden furniture. The timeless appeal of wood persists, and whether it's a vintage piece or a contemporary design, preserving wooden furnishings is essential. Wood polish plays a crucial role in protecting against environmental factors. Discover the types of wood polish available and how to create a homemade version to keep your wooden furniture in top condition.

Different Kinds Of Wood Polish Available

You will find various wood polish types, but distinctly that fall into two primary categories – one that penetrates the wood on the inside, and one that doesn’t. The Surface Wooden Polish or one that does not penetrate the wood is made of wax, lacquer, varnish etc. and forms a hard layer on top of the wooden surface. The penetrating kind i.ee the oil-based wooden finish is made up of linseed or tung oil, which does not form a solid surface but does a fantastic job of preventing any moisture. Regardless, you are sure to find the following kinds of wood polishes in the market:

• Water-based: These can be used on bare or even stained wooden surfaces. The water-based coating stays transparent over time and can be applied to decorative wooden items so that their sheen doesn’t go away over time. 
• Lacquer polish: Considered to be one of the best types of polishes, lacquer wood polishes dry up faster and add more richness to the wood. 
• PU or Polyurethane: PU polishes are water-resistant and are therefore ideal for doors, windows, kitchen cabinets, shower cabinets etc. that are usually exposed to moisture. 
• Varnish: Varnish is known to be as durable as it is versatile. It is also available in several types of sheen for varieties of wooden surfaces.
• Shellac: While Shellac polishes are quick to dry, they are also stained removers and even work as drywall plasters, as they come in several wood polish colours. You can even try and customize your own wood polish shades ideas in case of restorations. 
• Oil & Wax-based: For more luxurious finishes such as lamination, oil and wax-based polishes are great for any wooden surface.   

Making Homemade Natural Wood Polish

If you do not want to rely on commercial wooden polishes, you can simply create one at home that easily removes the frequent grime, dust and moisture from wooden surfaces. A popular way of doing so is to add equal parts lemon and white vinegar in a spray bottle and rub the wooden surfaces with a soft cloth. Another way is to apply apple cider vinegar to dark wooden surfaces. You can also use olive oil that conditions, protects, and moisturises wooden surfaces. If you are still wondering how to do wood polish that lasts longer, read on below.

Steps to Polish or Restore Wooden Surfaces

1. Homemade Wood Cleaner

Create a gentle wood cleaner by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply the solution with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime. Vinegar helps break down residue without harming the wood.

2. Natural Oil Polish

For a DIY wood polish, combine olive oil and lemon juice in a 2:1 ratio. Apply the mixture sparingly with a cloth, rubbing it into the wood along the grain. This homemade polish adds shine and nourishes the wood.

3. Coffee Grounds for Scratch Repair

To address scratches, make a paste using instant coffee and water. Apply the paste to the scratched area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently rub it with a soft cloth. Coffee grounds help darken the scratch, making it less noticeable.

4. Baking Soda for Deep Cleaning

For deep cleaning and stain removal, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit, and then gently scrub with a soft brush. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to lift stains.

5. Beeswax and Olive Oil Finish

Create a protective and nourishing finish by melting beeswax and combining it with olive oil in a 1:2 ratio. Apply this homemade finish sparingly, allowing it to soak into the wood. Buff the surface with a soft cloth for a natural sheen.

6. DIY Wood Restorer

For older or worn-out wooden surfaces, make a restorative mixture using equal parts white vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice. Apply the mixture with a cloth, allowing it to sit before buffing. This helps revive and moisturize the wood

7. Regular Dusting with Homemade Dusting Spray

Keep your wooden surfaces dust-free by creating a homemade dusting spray. Mix water, white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Spray lightly on the surface and wipe with a clean cloth.

To Restore Your Furniture

1. Put one tablespoon of vinegar and three tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl.
2. Mix using a spoon. Dip a piece of soft cloth into the mixture and rub it on the wooden surface.
3. Rub until the surface shines. Make more solutions for larger wooden surfaces.

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