Refinishing is more than sanding
A successful refinish begins by identifying the existing coating, the wood beneath it and the repairs that must happen before color is applied. Aggressive sanding can soften edges, flatten detail and cut through veneer. Livingston’s process is selected piece by piece rather than imposed on every table, dresser or cabinet in the same way.
Old varnish, lacquer, paint and stain are removed as carefully as the construction allows. Loose joints and open seams are addressed, damaged areas are blended and the surface is prepared evenly. Only then do we move into color and protection.
When a full refinish makes sense
- The clear coat is peeling, cloudy, cracked or sticky.
- Water, heat or sunlight has damaged a broad area.
- The color needs to change substantially.
- Previous touch-ups have become uneven or obvious.
- Repairs require finish work across the surrounding surface.
A localized repair may be enough when damage is small and the existing finish is otherwise sound. Our free assessment is designed to separate those cases before you commit to more work than the piece needs.
Color matching and protective finishes
Color is built from the wood species, preparation, stain and—when appropriate—toners or layered color. Samples help clarify whether the aim is to return toward an original appearance, coordinate with another piece or move in a different direction.
The protective coat should match the job. A frequently used dining table faces a different life than a display cabinet. Exterior wood requires different protection again. We will explain the practical differences among available finish systems rather than treating “clear coat” as a single product.
Pieces commonly refinished
Dining tables and leaves, end tables, coffee tables, dressers, chests, desks, secretaries, cabinets, hutches, bed frames, headboards, rocking chairs and other solid wood household furniture are all considered. Veneered pieces are evaluated individually because the veneer’s thickness and condition determine what is safe.