Refinishing wood is a process that involves stripping the old wood off before sanding and adding a new layer of finish. A project that can be done by anybody, refinishing a wood piece can be very simple. But, just as with anything, if proper techniques and tips are not followed, problems can and usually will occur.
One major problem that most people come across when refinishing a wood piece would be what experts call the orange peel. Dean Camenares is the owner of East End Wood Strippers in Holbrook, NY, a family-owned business since 1959. He is an expert woodwork restoration specialist who has more than 20 years experience. Camenares knows what the orange peel is and how homeowners can avoid having to deal with it personally.
"Orange peel is when the finish is either too thick or too cold when it is sprayed," he said. "It forms little bumps that look like orange peel."
One tip that will help consumers prevent the likeliness of getting orange peel on their furniture is to be prepared before starting any process. For the most part, orange peel will occur when the homeowner is spraying the finish as opposed to painting the finish on. Camenares said that consumers should be aware of the possibility of orange peel when spraying and take every necessary precaution ahead of time.
"There is a tendency to get more orange peel or certain other conditions when you are spraying than when you are brushing," Camenares said. "There are different formulations for a brushing material versus a spraying material. But if you use the spray equipment, you will learn how to deal with mixing it properly so that it is in the right spraying consistency."
Another tip that experts give to help avoid orange peel is to be sure to choose the right needle or nozzle for the job. In situations such as this, the spray gun or the coating manufacturer should be able to recommend the size of the nozzle for each job.
In addition to checking the size of the needle, consumers should pay heavy attention to the amount of air flow the spray gun is producing. An insufficient air flow can cause larger droplets or a center-weighted spray pattern. For the proper viscosity of the finish, experts suggest thinning the finish as needed.
Last but certainly not least, consumers should take weather and their environment into consideration. If applying a finish in hot weather, be sure to account for an increased drying time and adjust accordingly.
