Where Restore-A-Finish works best and where it will not!

Note: I meant to say the very fine steelwool was 0000 not 000. Also denatured alcohol not mineral spirits, excuse me. Thanks to Restore-A-Finish there are plenty of antique and vintage pieces that should be given a second chance. Select the right color and clean your piece before you begin. It is important to remember that less is more. Never pour the product directly on your piece, work in small sections, and rub mildly at first. If that doesn’t work because the gouge or nick on the piece is deep, then try rubbing a little harder or using fine 0000 steel wool. Speed is the other thing to keep in mind. Wipe it on and quickly wipe it off.
When this product won’t work is if you are dealing with a topcoat that isn’t shellac or lacquer. Polyacrylic and Polyurethane topcoats won’t budge. Likewise, paint won’t budge either.
So how to tell the difference? Before you runout and buy Restore-A-Finish test the piece in an inconspicuous spot. The inside of a leg perhaps. Then using a cotton swab or a bit of cloth with some alcohol on it (rubbing, mineral spirits) rub the piece and see if any color comes off. If the swab or cloth comes back stained, you have a piece that Restore-A-Finish can help. Of course, this product does not repair or fill dents and dark stains can’t be lifted with it. But in the end a little character on a piece shows it has been enjoyed.
Products used-

**Disclaimer** Some links may be affiliate links that allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. If you shop through my affiliate links, THANK YOU! It helps fund this channel, so I appreciate it very much 😉
Wish list:

[haring]

As an inorganic chemist and former faculty member, two thumbs up for clarity, completeness, and accuracy. And your joy.

[IMOO]

I e seen many channels where Restore -A-Finish is used, and I don’t remember any talking about what finish it will work on. Great tip!

[henrybutchy]

Well done. Summary: Restor A Finish comes in 8 colors. It will fix very light scratches or white stains from cold drinks n hot drinks IF THE OLD FINISH IS SHELLAC OR LAQUER, but not fix the more modern polyurethane finishes - polyurethane or the other poly. To determine if shellac or lacquer, test rub an inconspicuous spot with a Q-tip with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). If the q-tip removes a tiny hint of finish, then it is shellac or lacquer.

[filly]

I've used Restor-A-Finish since the late 1970's on all of my wood furniture and it's FANTASTIC. She is absolutely right about the poly finished pieces not responding to Restor-A-Finish, but on any older piece of wood furniture, it works beautifully and lasts for a long time. I live in a very dry, high altitude climate and Restor-A-Finish has protected all of my vintage and antique furniture from drying out and cracking. Love it!

[carolyingling]

I liked the little humorous video clips -- AND the info!

[seisaisan]

Thank you! Especially on the polyurethane test. You saved me time and money. My table seems to be covered with the PU.

[artlayton]

Thanks for your advice about the alcohol test. It saved me $10.

[MrCaterhamr]

Great info, missed by other reviews, also appreciate the British comedian clips 👍

[jessicabixler]

You can still stain the scratches. I use a colord furniture polish or marker.

[katetsubata]

I agree 100 percent. I had a miraculous effect on kitchen cabinets, saving us from a huge replacement cost. Then, I tried to use the same product on a recently made wooden card table, and it was a disaster. It didn't restore the finish; if anything, it made big ugly and dull wipe marks and we had to go another way. So yes, this is a miraculous product for a lot of finished furnishings, and no, it doesn't work on the more recent items that are finished with a polyurethane stained finish.

[pw]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TELLING HOW TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF FINISH YOUR PIECES HAVE 😀

[Annmarie-gdfv]

Found your video just after learning about Howard products. Definitely want to use Restor-a-Finish on my vintage bedroom suite but was concerned about dirt and buildup. You've given me as great tip with the 50-50 cleaner use before the restore product...so big THANKS! ❤

[leeglee]

Great info. I just bought this. Before I open up the can I will do the alcohol swab prior. I watched another channel by a person who swears by this stuff, but she did not mention testing the coat first. 👍

[Beruthiel]

Thank you! I was very recently trying to find some of this product locally and turns out it would be quite a drive to get it from the store who carries it. I had no idea about its efficacy on where I wanted to use it, now I do, and I can save my money, and time. Very helpful video. 👍🤗

[wendybond]

I use 50/50 mineral turps and metholated (white) spirits where there has been a poly coating.

[rockshot]

Well this explains it. Somebody gave me a cabinet with some of the edges scraped off, I took it because I could just use the restore stuff I already had. I had the same results you did on that chair, nothing. This I knew was a crap furniture and was finished dark so the scrapes of the finish completely off stood out. Then I remembered I had a minwax scratch pen and it worked a treat. I had to put 2 coats in some places, but it looks new, and would work on your chair. Thanks. (the pens look almost like a sharpie, or exactly like that tide pen for stains, which they at least used to sell)

[EC-olnz]

BEST EXPLANATION!!! Work wonders on my guitar! My on my oak furniture the mahogany color gave it a beautiful redwood hue. Didn't do much on maple tho...Thanks!!!

[papabear]

Very helpful! I wasn’t sure how to identify lacquer vs polyurethane finish, and now after watching your video I tested and it worked, indeed! Thank you!

[danielkoher]

3:15 Thanks 😊 for your knowledge, I bought it and I was hesitant to use it.
I was going to clean it with water only, now I will use a vinegar mixture.
Both pieces are older and this seems the perfect solution.
I don’t want to make it brand new I want to keep the age to it.

[judymoore]

I love this product. It works wonders covering scratches.❤