Rejuvenate Your Beechwood Bentwood Chairs With These Finishing Methods

Beechwood bentwood chairs are well-known for their flawless finish. The close-grained and dense wood type is easy to prep and clean.

However, when it comes to staining them, achieving an even finish can be challenging. That is unless you know the correct techniques.

In today’s blog, we present expert-approved finishing tips and tricks to rejuvenate your vintage bentwood chairs.

So, dive into the following section now!

Clear Finish Choice For Your Bentwood Chairs In Australia

Gel Polyurethane: Clear finishes are great if you don’t have to change the colour of your genuine bentwood chairs. Gel polyurethane is a protective finish that’s durable and easy to access and apply. You can apply it using a clean cloth, foam brush or a lint-free rag. After applying the first coat, let it rest for 6 hours and follow it up with a second. Sanding is not necessary with this finish unless you feel the first coat is uneven.

Spray lacquer: Spray lacquer is an ideal alternative to gel polyurethane. It dries quicker than polyurethane, allowing you to apply several coats in a single day. Lacquer is comparatively more vulnerable to scratches in the long term, but they are easy to fix. One noteworthy drawback of spray lacquer is that it’s picky about the weather. In high humidity, the finish can come out a bit milky, while in low humidity, it takes longer to dry. 

Tung oil: Oils are a popular finish option for beechwood bentwood chairs in Australia. However, while tung oil can enhance the appearance of your vintage beechwood, it can’t provide sufficient surface protection. Hence, if you use the oil to cure, ensure to follow it up with a coat of gel polyurethane or spray lacquer.

Tips For Staining And Dying Your Beechwood Bentwood Chair!

Staining a beechwood bentwood chair can be hard due to the risk of uneven stains. Luckily, there are a few ways to achieve an even stain. 

• Apply a gel stain on the bare wood for a significant colour change. You can apply it with a brush or a rag on the surface of the wood.

• Leave it to rest for a few hours before removing the excess product with a careful wipe.

• A wash coat before the gel stain will work as a sealer. It will make the colour of the gel appear softer, protecting the wood grain.
  

Aniline Dye

If you notice blotching after applying oil or looking for an oil alternative to finish your vintage bentwood chair, aniline dye can be a good option, particularly if you want a dark surface colour.

Here’s how you can apply aniline dye.

• Prep the bentwood chair by gently sanding it,

• Use a premixed black aniline dye, 

• Spray the dye on the targeted areas or apply it using a cloth pad,

• After applying one to two coats based on your preferences,

• Apply a sealer and let the chair dry,

• Lastly, apply a coat of protective top finish,

• After dying the coat, rub it out and wax the finish for a sheen and flat look.
  

Endnote

Staining bentwood chairs can take more effort than other wood. However, with these tips and the correct techniques, you can get a beautiful sheen on your vintage bentwood chairs. If you have any further queries regarding staining beechwood, be sure to leave a comment or consult a trusted manufacturer.

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