A survey for DIY Woodworkers

First, the steps chosen to “refinish” wood trim depend on the trim condition. Some trim just needs a coat of Watco (http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGBrand.asp?bid=11) or similar brand to restore the original look and condition. This can be applied with the wood in place. Use tape or a hand held paint guide (preferred) to keep the material off the wall and floor. Small dents and dings can be prefilled with a stainable wood filler or precolored wood putty. There are many internet advice links on this topic, here is one as an example (http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/wood/msg081841042005.html). If it becomes necessary to remove the trim before refinishing, Pandora’s box may come into play. Older trim can be brittle and break if not carefully removed from the wall. It is also easy to damage the wall if you apply pressure to sheetrock or plaster and lath that has no backing, i.e. a stud, behind it. You will also need to identify each piece based on it’s location to make reinstallation easier. Then the task of stripping and reapplying the finish begins. Sometimes it takes less labor to replace the trim than to refinish it, but a basic knowledge of woodworking (and geometry) comes in handy here. If you have to cut all the angles required with new trim, this can be tricky, especially if the walls are not square. And then you still need to apply a finish as well. There is a multitude of information in book form and internet chat on this topic. As with all topics that have multiple “plans of attack”, experience should always be your first choice, whether it is through seeking advice from those with the experience, or diving in and trying a variety of the available techniques yourself on a ‘sampler’ piece. I hope this was helpful to you and not overwhelming. Refinishing is not rocket science, but it can have challenges. And there are always learning curves with anything new. It is up to the individual whether or not they personally wish to accept the challenge and are willing to put in the time it takes to learn new skills.

-- Beth, Oklahoma, Rambling Road Designs

Jeff, I’m redoing the trim, which is currently painted, but even if we were going to do a painted trim it doesn’t seem cost-effective to strip it. So we’re just yanking it and throwing it away.

I can’t imaging stripping trim would ever be a reasonable choice, if it’s painted it’s cheap to replace, and if it’s wood you’re not going to strip the stain out of it, so a little sanding and an overcoat of oil should work fine.

-- Dan Lyke, Petaluma California, http://www.flutterby.net/

Do you know how to prepare wood trim for refinishing?

• not specifics, no

If so, where did you learn how to do it?

• I learned what I know from reading postings at LumberJocks.com & HomeRefurbers.com

Have you ever refinished wood trim or furniture before?

• I stripped a chair once and stained it..

If you wanted to refinish the trim in your house, would you consider doing it yourself?

• all the trim? I’d hire it done. One room? Yes, I’d do it myself.

If not, what would you say the biggest barrier to doing it yourself was?

• barrier: time & patience. I know that I’d run out of steam/interest before it was done. I’m also not a perfectionist so if I’d want it done right, I’d have to hire it done.

-- ~ Debbie, Ontario Canada

Do you know how to prepare wood trim for refinishing? • yes
If so, where did you learn how to do it? • working with furniture that needed refinishing
Have you ever refinished wood trim or furniture before? • yes
If you wanted to refinish the trim in your house, would you consider doing it yourself? • yes, but I would probably replace it before I tried to refinish it.
If not, what would you say the biggest barrier to doing it yourself was? • refinishing trim is not cost effective (unless it has historical merit and is worth the trouble)

-- Beth, Oklahoma, Rambling Road Designs

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