How can I repair the damaged wood finish on an antique bed?

Sala E. Chapman
by Sala E. Chapman

Restore the finish to antique bed without stripping and refinishing it completely? Probably 150 years old.

  11 answers
  • You may want to try Homer Formby's Furniture Refinisher, Sala. I've used it and had good luck. Test it in a hidden spot first, to see if you like what it does.

  • Wanda Wanda on Aug 10, 2019

    Old English makes a product, it’s called scratch cover. It will make that headboard look like new.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Aug 10, 2019

    I've had really good success using Amish wood milk. Apply it generously to the whole piece. Wait a couple of days because the wood milk soaks in and replenishes gradually. Then I reapply the wood milk. After about the third application, then you should only need to use it every few months.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Aug 10, 2019

    There are couple of things you can do ...

    • Distress it all around by simply sending
    • Change the color completely with Chalk Paint t hat doesn't require prep work ..that means sanding


  • Wow, that is a beautiful piece. I'm not a furniture refinisher, but if I didn't want to strip it, I would go to the paint store and see what they recommend. You might be able to find a stain that matches and just rub some of it over the worn spot after a super light sanding. They also make furniture markers for repairs, but since this piece is so precious, I would go to the expert and get their advice.

  • Dee Dee on Aug 10, 2019

    Howards restore a finish works great too.

    You can always find the stain that matches and rub it in to camouflage the damage.

  • William William on Aug 10, 2019

    You can use Minwax gel stain. Comes in all wood tones. Just have to get the right color.

  • Melanie Melanie on Aug 11, 2019

    Hi Susan, you can buy stain pens in a variety of colors.. They are cheap and easy to use. Any paint store or Home Depot them.

  • GeorgiaBulldogsFan GeorgiaBulldogsFan on Sep 24, 2019

    Hi Sala, I agree with Ann about using a Homer Formby product. OR, you could use Mr. Formby’s recipe for working on wood finishes. Use equal parts of denatured alcohol and mineral spirits. Mix those two things in a container and use OOOO steel wool pads. These pads are soft and don’t mar furniture. Dip pad into the mixture and work in a circular fashion. Don’t soak the entire steel wool because it will get sloppy. This mixture dissolves the finish and puts the finish back into the wood. Use dry rag to wipe off excess with the grain of the wood. After the area you have worked on has dried, take Tung oil and hand rub it into the wood. From what I see in your photo, you may need to work a larger area than just where the finish is missing. I have used this method of working on antiques I have for many years. Hope it works for you if you decide to use it.

  • Columbia GB Columbia GB on Sep 24, 2019

    Homer Formby's Furniture Refinisher.


    Good stuff!

  • Virginia Virginia on Nov 20, 2019

    There are kits to refinish such projects.