SHABBY CHIC FURNITURE | FRENCH STYLE FURNITURE | MIRRORED FURNITURE
There are many reasons why people need new furniture. It might be a change in current fashion, or maybe that the item was broken. However, instead of getting rid of it completely and buying new items, thousands of people these days are upgrading their furniture. It's an excellent way of saving money, keeping hold of a treasured piece, and reducing waste. Alternatively, some people scour garage sales and thrift stores for coffee tables and other furniture. These can sometimes be a bit worse for wear as the top of the table usually takes a lot of heavy use over the years. In this article, we're offering a few ideas as to how to replace old and tired table tops and make it as good as new! Of course, you could engage the services of a professional, but for anyone feeling ambitious, it's well worth having a go at this yourself. If you've been wondering about this you'll hopefully get some inspiration by reading our guide that will encourage you to have a try! Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/129159054@N02/22877777260 First Things First: What Is Your Table Made Of?This is fundamental to the issue, obviously! And we don't just mean whether it's made of glass (which we'll cover later) or wood. Some tables are constructed out of solid wood, while others have a veneer or laminate over plywood. Sometimes they're partly veneered and partly solid! It's essential to understand the difference and to be absolutely certain which one you have before you proceed. Here are a few pointers to help you out: Solid wood
Veneer
Laminate
Which Is Best: Laminate Or Veneer?To answer this, we need to look at the differences between the two. First, veneer is made from thin sheets of natural hardwood, making it an attractive and sustainable option. It can be sanded with a fine grit sandpaper, polished and stained and it looks amazing. However, it is susceptible to scratches and stains and can be pretty expensive. You'll also need to take care of it with regular polishing. Laminate, on the other hand, is a cheaper option. That's because, as mentioned above, it's essentially made from paper and resin (usually melamine). The surface is coated with plastic that is printed so the finished product resembles wood grain. It's tough, durable and resistant to scratches and stains, making it ideal for families with young kids as it can handle the rigours of daily life better than veneer! Some laminate sheets are highly fire-resistant, too. Even so, it's not the most eco-friendly option as it can't be recycled. Most laminate furniture ends up in the landfill site at the end of its life. Now we've determined what type of material is involved, it's time to take action. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Decorative_laminate_07847.jpg Next: Determine The Action RequiredBefore launching into a full-scale project, ask yourself whether it's necessary. Do you really need to replace the entire table top? After all, this could be a fairly involved process. For superficial damage, or if you simply want to change the look of your table, maybe some filler and wood stain or varnish would do the trick. Read here to find out the difference between wood stain and varnish, as well as what is wood stain used for. Alternatively, you can even choose to paint your table! French polishing is also a great idea; it will preserve the wood and produce an amazing finish. You could also cover the table top with epoxy resin or acrylic, or simply throw a funky tablecloth over it to hide the damage! However, if you're set on replacing it, let's get down to details. How To Replace A Veneer Table TopSo, your existing veneer table top has a surface that's seen better days. These pieces of furniture are great as they mimic the beautiful look of expensive solid hardwood items, but without the heavy weight and hefty price tag! But how do you set about replacing damaged veneer? Here's a quick guide to the procedure: Measure the table top carefullyAlthough you need to to have precise measurements of the length and width, it's best to add a little extra, say, one inch on each side. Write it down! Get a sheet of veneer of your choiceThis is your chance to change the appearance of your table if you want. Just bear in mind that if you change the colour of a dining table they won't match the chairs. You can choose from oak, red oak, mahogany, cherry, and so on. Each one has its own appeal. Strip the old veneerUse a chisel or putty knife to remove the veneer carefully. A rubber mallet will help to get the blade under any pieces that are being difficult. Sand the surfaceRun sandpaper (medium grit is ideal) over the entire surface to get rid of dried glue and make it smooth and level, then brush it down and wipe it with a tack cloth to remove all traces of dust. Apply the glueSpread wood glue across the surface in a thin layer, ensuring that it is evenly covered with no bare patches. Put the veneer in placeSettle the veneer gently on top of the table and use a rolling pin to press it down firmly. Place a clean sheet of plywood on top, taking care not to scratch your new veneer. Weigh it down with anything heavy (big books, bricks, or even dumbells from your home gym!). Leave the glue for about 24 hours to ensure it has dried fully. Final stepsRemove all the weights and plywood, then flip the table over. It's best to put a cloth down to protect the surface. Use a sharp craft knife to trim the edges back, then lightly sand it level using a fine grit sandpaper. If you have a router you can use this to level the edges before sanding. Set it upright and give it a polish, and you have a gorgeous table once again! Light Walnut Round Veneer Table Top How To Replace A Laminate Table TopThis process is much the same as it is with veneer:
Your new laminate table top is ready to go, and all you need to do in terms of maintenance is to wipe it down once in a while! Replacing A Solid Wood Table TopOf course, you're essentially just keeping the legs and frame here, so this is a pretty drastic step to take. This might happen if the existing table top has been extensively damaged and wasn't repairable. You can buy ready-made table tops from eBay and DIY outlets, or you may wish to make your own. Clearly, this latter option is more complicated, but we'll go through the steps to give you an idea of what's involved:
And your table is complete! Source: https://www.rawpixel.com/image/5960880/ Glass Table Top ReplacementIf your existing table has a glass top, there's a pretty good chance that it has been chipped, cracked or smashed completely. Even though they are all made from toughened glass (at least they should be!) it's still possible to break them. So, how do you go about replacing a glass table top? In most cases, this is pretty easy as the glass top rests on the frame, usually on clear rubber bumpers to stop it from sliding. Others may not be so simple as the glass is fixed in place using powerful adhesives. Depending on how much of the surface has been glued, and what it is glued to, this can be a painstaking and difficult process during which it is possible that you'll break the glass. You'll need to use solvents to dissolve the glue, a flat blade to scrape it away, and lots of patience! Next, you need to order a piece of glass that fits the frame. Remember to specify what edges you want, as you may wish them to be bevelled or polished. Also, you need to say whether you want the glass tinted or not. Although you can buy glass table tops ready-made, you can have a piece made to order. Bear in mind that an odd shape will cost more than a regular one. When your glass arrives, the best option is to rest it on the frame using non-slip bumpers, though you could use a nano-glue specially designed for glass. Teak Root Coffee Table with Glass Top In ConclusionYou now have some ideas about replacing your table top if you want to keep your existing table and give it an upgrade. Some methods are easier than others, depending on what you have to begin with. One thing is for sure; you'll have an awesome table to show off when you're finished! How to replace a table top is courtesy of Homes Direct 365 Limited from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/06/how-to-replace-a-table-top/ via Blogger How to replace a table top
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Home bars have, like so many other fashions and fads, enjoyed phases of popularity and those times when they were seen as outdated and a bit passé. However, they have never completely gone away, and in the past few years, more homeowners are investing in a home bar than ever before. Maybe you've given some thought to the idea? You're by no means alone! Recent events (including the Covid-19 pandemic) have changed society in many ways. The rising cost of living and the expense of going out to pubs and clubs to drink and socialise have also had an effect. It's cheaper and more appealing to some people to stay at home, whether to entertain or to simply relax. Socialising At HomeMany homeowners these days are creating a space for relaxing and entertaining guests. This is nothing new, but, as we mentioned, more people are setting aside a spare room or basement to make a space specifically for this purpose. The beauty of a project like this is that it can be as sophisticated or as basic as you want, and the design is entirely dependent on your personal taste and style! Of course, your budget has a big part to play in this. You can save money by indulging in DIY or you could splash out and have a bespoke bar installed in your house. Wet Bar vs Dry BarIf you're contemplating an in-home bar, you need to decide which you want. Will it be a wet bar or a dry bar? This raises a question in the minds of many people: what's the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar? The basic answer is plumbing! But let's explore both ideas individually and see what else we can discover. Wet BarsAside from plumbing, what is a wet bar and what does it mean to have one? Essentially, you are creating the look and atmosphere of a pub, wine bar or cocktail bar in the comfort of your home. The attraction is that the drinks are relatively cheap, you have control over who enters, and closing time is whenever you decide! Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/98586679333124428/ What Should You Have In A Home Bar?A well-stocked home bar is a sight to behold. Most people will have the following:
This is just a basic idea, and it's really up to you how you kit yours out. What's So Great About Wet Bars?The key benefit of these is running water. You'll have a sink with hot and cold taps, so you'll have somewhere to wash glasses and dishes without having to leave the buzz and atmosphere of the party to go to the kitchen sink! You can rinse out the blender you just used to make margaritas and that sink makes a handy extra space for cooling bottles if needed. Accidents happen!It's also handy for those spills and accidents that occur (especially when alcohol is involved) from time to time. You can deal with them quickly without having to sprint to find a damp cloth. Another bonus is that you'll be able to prepare more complex drinks, and offer hot beverages if required. Maybe you could install a coffee maker, or just use a trusty kettle. Either way, you don't have to go anywhere! Protecting your kitchenHave you noticed when you're at a house party how everyone often ends up crammed in the kitchen? This isn't always the best thing for your floor, and there's a good chance that something will get broken. This one goes for dry bars, too, but if people need to wash their hands they don't need to use your kitchen to do so if you have a wet bar! Is There A Downside?The biggest negative point concerning wet bars is the cost. Most of this is because of the plumbing, and this can be pretty big, depending on where you situate it. Also, if your wet bar is outdoors, you'll have to ensure that you have adequate insulation on those pipes unless you want them to freeze in winter! Dry BarsOn the whole, these will have much of the same equipment as a wet bar, minus the sink. And while it might not seem such a big deal, running water is definitely worth having if you can manage it. However, it's easy to see the advantages of a dry bar when you factor in the cost of extra plumbing. Dry bars are moveableAnother advantage of dry bars is that they can be portable, or at least moved without too much fuss, whereas one that's plumbed in is staying right where it was installed. Some dry bars are compact enough to be set on wheels, and a dry bar with wheels means that you can push it to wherever the party is! Standing Black Trunk Drinks Cabinet Compact and bijouA dry bar also takes up less space as you don't need to allow for a sink, taps and all the pipework involved. It's worth considering that you won't have to worry about plumbing problems in future, too. Where Can I Locate My Home Bar?This is where the issue of plumbing makes a significant difference. In theory, you can install your home bar anywhere you wish! It depends on whether you want it to be subtly tucked away in the corner, or proudly displayed as a focal point for entertaining your guests. If you need an example of where to situate yours, have a look at these:
The obvious sticking point here is whether plumbing is a viable option. Finished basement bars have great appeal, what with the novelty of being hidden away underground. But the practicalities of installing all the necessary pipes, along with the cost, may be offputting. Of course, if the pipes are already there (finished basements often have a bath or shower fitted, and some people use the basement as a utility room, with a washing machine) then you're good to go! Fitting a sink won't be any trouble at all. It's also worth bearing in mind that with a dry bar in a basement, you'll be walking up and down stairs carrying drinks and glasses. Wet Bar Vs Dry Bar: The VerdictSo, now you know the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar! Which is the best one for you? In the end, wet bar vs dry bar basically comes down to three things:
If money isn't an issue, wet bars are the obvious choice as they are better all-round and simply more convenient. The post Wet Bar vs Dry Bar was first published to https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/ from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/06/wet-bar-vs-dry-bar/ via Blogger Wet Bar vs Dry Bar Wood carving is one of those pastimes that connects us with our primitive ancestors. It's an excellent way of forgetting the troubles and trials of today and reverting to 'simpler' times while indulging our creative side. It doesn't matter what your skill level is, anyone can pick up a knife and create something beautiful or functional (maybe both!) by carving a log or block of wood. It isn't just about the end product either: watching the shapes or patterns gradually emerge from the wood is a great way to relieve stress, so it's actually good for your health! And the more you do this, the better you get at it! However, there's more to this skill than hacking away until you achieve your intended design. There are different methods and approaches, each with its own skills and wood carving tools. Want to know more about the different types of wood carving? Then let's get started! Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-mask-sculpture-999283/ A Quick History LessonHumans have enjoyed a close connection with wood stretching back thousands of years. Almost as soon as we learned to make tools, at first from flint, followed by various metals, we started shaping this wonderfully versatile material to make weapons, utensils and art. And, speaking of art, some of the most important sculptures, culturally speaking, are made of wood, especially in Japan and Africa. Over the centuries, humans became familiar with the qualities of each type of wood. Woodworking became a standard skill among human tribes, and this still exists in many cultures worldwide, reflected in their amazing art. Sadly, in the last century or so, we have forgotten these methods as we came to rely on mass-produced, disposable goods. Although this capability has largely been lost to most of us, especially in the western world, traditional crafts have made a comeback as we now realise their value; folk art and heritage crafts are being appreciated in a new light, with a renewed interest in preserving these skills for future generations. Here in the UK, we have some truly gifted professional carvers and many thousands of enthusiastic 'amateurs'! So, what are the different types of wood carving, and what tools do they use to get the required results? Relief CarvingRelief carving is one of the earliest wood carving methods ever recorded, as popular today as it was with ancient Greeks and Romans. Essentially, shapes are carved into a flat panel of wood to give a 3D effect to objects against a level background. Wood is removed using a range of chisels or gouges to give the impression of depth. A mallet and chisel are often used to remove large amounts of wood before fine detail is added. Gouges are great for making curved cuts while chisels and mallets make it possible to get deeper cuts into hardwoods. Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-holding-chisel-and-mallet-1486470/ Undercutting is ideal for adding impressive 3D effects that trick the eye. Smaller tools can be used to produce fine detail, resulting in some spectacularly impressive work. Some wood carvers use tape or special paper to mark out the design. Although this isn't compulsory, many beginners may find it useful. Details on the panel seem to project out towards the viewer, and it only takes a small difference in height to create this effect: a rise of only three-quarters of an inch is all it takes! However, you can have low relief or high relief carving. The deeper the cuts, the more detail there is, and the greater the effect. While each carver has their own personal favourite, both softwood and hardwood are used in relief carving. Main Tools
Best Woods For Relief Carving
Chip CarvingSimilar in many ways to relief carving, chip carving relies on flat panels that essentially retain the same dimensions. It's a highly effective method of creating amazing decorative items. The chip carving method lends itself particularly well to symmetrical geometric designs. It's often employed to decorate plain objects such as coasters, keepsake boxes or a wooden cabinet. Most chip carving experts use a cutting knife to remove excess wood and a stab knife, to remove chips of wood. This allows light and shadow to do some of the work in highlighting the beautiful patterns and small details. The stab knife is a type of carving knife with a short blade, usually without a bevel. This gives the user more control over the blade. Still, it's vital that you hold the knife correctly to avoid injury! When chip carving, your hand position should change according to the type of cut you are making, but the trick is to keep the blade at a 65° angle to the wood surface. Main Tools
Best woods for chip carving
Mango Wood Carved Door Cabinet Treen CarvingAlthough the term is unfamiliar to many people, the word 'treen' is Old English, meaning 'of a tree.' It is sometimes used to describe antique wooden items, mostly in reference to small household objects that are largely utilitarian rather than decorative art. These items mostly date from before the time of pewter and ceramic tableware, roughly from medieval times right up to the end of the 18th century. Wooden objects tend not to survive as well as other materials, so they are pretty rare and highly sought-after today. However, treen carving has experienced a resurgence in the past few decades, as enthusiasts try their hand at producing all manner of beautiful things, particularly kitchen utensils and functional items. Spoon CarvingThe hobby of spoon carving has been given its own sub-heading here as it's so popular and falls under the category of treen carving. Technically, it's also a form of whittling, though, strictly speaking, whittling generally uses knives rather than gouges (see below). Ideally, you should use wood with a fine grain and few open pores. Main Tools
Best Woods For Treen carving
Pine is good for beginners to practice on but isn't perhaps the best wood for the job. High-quality wooden spoons are often made from olive wood, beech, or maple. Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/spoon-folk-wooden-pattern-3602433/ WhittlingThough it's often regarded as a simpler method with simple tools, whittling doesn't necessarily produce any less pleasing results. Whittling is one of those pastimes that appeal to people who enjoy sunny Sunday afternoons in the garden or sitting in a shed, listening to the cricket on the radio. Okay, that's a bit specific, but you get the idea! It belongs to a better, vanished time. It's something that anyone can do, transforming a stick or block of wood into small objects using four basic cuts: push cut, stop cut, paring cut, and slicing cut. While, again, there are similarities between this and other types of wood carving, whittling only involves a knife. Carbon steel is favoured among whittlers as it keeps its edge better and needs minimal sharpening. Many enthusiasts shell out hundreds of pounds for a serious set of whittling knives, but it isn't necessary, especially if this is an occasional hobby. A simple wood carving knife will do the trick for the odd Sunday afternoon carving job! Softwoods are the primary material for whittling, and the idea is to remove very small pieces until you achieve the desired shape. Main Tools
Best Woods For Whittling
Source: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/contributor/207887675/fotostudio-gerth Flat-Plane CarvingSometimes called Scandinavian flat-plane carving, this is a unique style that gives a distinctive look to each piece. Although the name might suggest a similar effect as relief carving, this technique is geared towards creating small effigies (usually humans, wizards, gnomes etc.) rather than decorated wood panels. This method is virtually unknown in the UK, though many carving enthusiasts have probably been doing this for years without even realising it! In a sense, it's a form of whittling as it uses some of the same methods, though it's a more minimalist approach with fewer and simpler cuts. There's usually no rounding or sanding, and each cut is proudly displayed in the carvings. The key is to make large flat cuts and make each one count. This results in a beautifully crafted item with multiple facets that gives the piece a wonderful character. To add to this, many carvers use watercolours or watered down acrylic paints to bring the figures to life. Main Tools
Best Woods For Flat-Plane Carving
Chainsaw CarvingThis method is obviously more modern, though it still relies on some traditional skills but on a larger scale. Obviously, a chainsaw is involved, very often used to remove large blocks of waste wood, before smaller tools (like an angle grinder) are employed to add fine details. It goes without saying that chainsaw carving poses the biggest risk out of all the different types of wood carving. Chainsaw carvers use their entire body rather than just their hands. It's physically demanding work requiring immense focus, determination, skill, and caution. Wear safety goggles (or a protective mask), respirator, earplugs or ear defenders, and safety boots when using a chainsaw, and always ensure that you have a clearly marked barrier around your working area to stop curious onlookers from wandering within the danger zone! Generally speaking, softwoods are preferred for chainsaw carving as the blades can move freely without becoming clogged up, and there is usually less kickback. However, watch out for knots if you use pine! Main Tools
Best Woods For Chainsaw Carving
PyrographyAlthough not strictly carving, pyrography is a very popular wood-based pastime that often goes hand-in-hand with wood carving. This method (known as pokerwork in Victorian times as a hot poker was used to burn the wood) uses heat to score a pattern into a flat surface. These days, a range of tools are available for the job, and these are essentially soldering irons. Some cost a few pounds while others are a few hundred, but they generally do the same job. Many have different tips that produce a variety of effects. Check out pyrography pages online, as there are some astonishingly brilliant pieces out there! Main Tools
Best Woods For pyrography
Light-coloured woods are best, but avoid anything with open grain and high sap content. Pine can be used, but you don't get the best results, and you'll know about it when you hit a pocket of resin! Never use Yew as it emits poisonous fumes when burned. Source: https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=173870&picture=pyrography-decorations A Word About WoodIt's true; most passionate wood carvers soon become wood-nerds! To the layman, wood is wood. However, different types of wood has its own qualities that make it better suited for particular methods of wood carving. Now, it's not essential to learn the name of all the wood types and which projects they're best for, but it helps to have a basic knowledge. For example, you might benefit from knowing that red oak is an absolute pain to work with. It will mash up your chisel blades and other wood carving tools in no time, and injuries from slippage are common. Also, it's almost impossible to work it without a mallet. Finally, it's no good for a functional piece that will have regular contact with water because it is pretty porous. Lime (or basswood) is perfect for many woodworking jobs as it is a softwood that's readily available, affordable, sustainable, stable and easy to work with. At the other end of the scale, you'll find mahogany, which is pretty expensive and not always easy to get hold of. Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/FgP27oU8LWw A Few Safety NotesIt goes without saying that the main concern about any type of carving is safety. You'll be using some pretty sharp tools here, so it's essential to follow some basic rules:
Starting Your Wood Carving AdventureBy now, you'll have a fairly good idea about the dos and don'ts of wood carving. Before you rush out and buy your first set of carving knives and tools and throw yourself into an elaborate carving project, take some time to speak with some accomplished woodcarving experts, either at craft events or online. They're usually happy to share advice and are generally a friendly bunch! You'll have a wealth of experience at your disposal, and it might just save you time, money, and possibly a visit to A&E. They'll also advise you as to the best wood carving tools to buy, depending on which technique you are aiming to follow and how serious you are about the endeavour. Finally, do take heed of the safety tips, take your time (there's no rush!), whether you're chip carving, chainsaw carving, or whatever. Above all - have some fun and enjoy yourself. Now, go and get carving! The post Types of wood carving See more on: https://homesdirect365.co.uk/ from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/06/types-of-wood-carving/ via Blogger Types of wood carving Wood furniture looks great in any home, so lots of people will have wood surfaces throughout their rooms to bring in some natural material that makes a space feel more homely. The problem is, however, that mold can become a problem with wood furniture and actually ruin the look of the wood surface. Not only is it problematic for the wooden furniture, depending on the type of mold and mold spores you have, it can be hazardous to your health, too. But don't worry, in today's guide, we'll be taking you through the risks of mold growth on wooden furniture. We'll also talk about the different mold species, and then talk you through how to remove mold from a wood surface safely. Why is mold growth common on wood furniture?Before we start by looking at the different types of mold, let's just talk for a moment about why wooden surfaces are so susceptible to mold growth to begin with. First off, organic materials will always be more susceptible to a mold problem, but wood especially so because porous surfaces (like wood) offer a perfect environment for mold to grow in. That's why wood mold is especially concerning for the furniture itself, because removing mold doesn't just involve removing mold stains and surface mold, but actually penetrating the wood effectively with the cleaning process in order to kill mold entirely from both the surface, and the inner portions of the wood. If left to grow, the mold will ruin the integrity of the wood and damage it beyond repair. But don't worry, there are ways to effectively remove mold and treat the affected area completely so the mold won't return. For now, though, let's focus on the different types of wood mold that are most common. Source: https://nara.getarchive.net/media/flooding-severe-storm-memphis-tenn-may-28-2011-mold-grows-on-the-kitchen-cabinets-0032fc Identifying mold speciesYou'll already be aware that there are different types of mold, but what you might not realise is that there are three different types of mold that are common on wood surfaces. All three types will need your attention, of course, but some are more serious, and need to be treated more quickly than others. Below, we'll look at how to identify the different types, and talk about the precautions you need to be aware of before you even attempt to treat the mold. Black moldPossibly the most concerning mold to find, both in terms of your furniture's integrity and your health, is black mold. There are many types of black mold, but the most serious of which is Stachybotrys chartarum, which release toxic fumes or mycotoxins, which can cause respiratory problems and also skin irritation. Whenever you remove mold from wood, you have to be very cautious and wear protective gear to prevent mold spores from causing you any harm, but black mold is especially serious, so it's really important when you start the mold removal process from the wooden surface that you're very aware of how serious this type of mold could be. By now you've probably guessed that black mold gets its name because, well, it's black mold, so whenever you come across this type of mold on your wood, be cautious. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eclectic-echoes/9744017716 Why does black mold grow?Black mold growth is more common in places that are very damp and have poor ventilation, because this type of mold actually needs far more moisture than the others we'll cover below to develop. You'll most likely notice black mold on wood furniture that has been exposed to a leak or flooding. This might be more common in bathrooms and kitchens, but even a leaky roof in the garage or bedrooms can cause black mold on your bedroom furniture and storage too. If you notice black mold on wood in your home, then it's more likely that there's a bigger problem than just the mold, so keep an eye out for flooding, leaks, and bad ventilation where the furniture is. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/diversey/46195388355 White moldFrom the worst type of mold spores to the least harmful now, we have white mold. This type of mold doesn't typically cause health problems, but you'll still need to wear the proper protective gear and skin protection when dealing with it. And despite it not being as serious as black mold, white mold is still a sign that there's a problem with high humidity and moisture in the room where the wood surface that's been affected is. You'll notice white mold, again, by its white colour, but it also has a stringy or powdery quality to it. Whilst these powdery mold spores aren't particularly hazardous to health, you still don't want to be breathing that in, so removing white mold from the affected material is still really important. Later we'll talk more about preventing mold, but when there are white mold spores on wood, you'll want to make sure that any air vents in the room are clear and that there is proper ventilation to prevent the moisture that mold needs to grow. Green moldThis final type of mold that's common on wood may be a bit of a surprise, as typically you'd associate it with food, however green mold on wood is more common than most people realise. In fact, green and white mold on wood is more common than black mold, but green mold is a little more serious than white. Unlike white mold, green is much more likely to cause medical problems (although it isn't as serious a concern as black mold is). Again, green mold is a sign of moisture buildup on a surface, and much like white mold, it's likely because of bad ventilation and a lot of humidity rather than a leak. Whatever type of mold spores and surface mold you notice around your home, though, you need to treat mold in much the same way to remove it and then prevent it from coming back. What do I need to remove mold?Before we talk about the actual process of removing mold and the different protective gear you will need to treat the affected wood etc., you should be aware of some of the products that work best to remove mold (typically these products kill mold, and some will even form a protective barrier to prevent mold from returning). Here's a quick list of some products that work for killing mold. You won't need all of these, but it may help to have a few different products if you are trying to remove light mold vs a lot of mold to get the job done properly:
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cleaning-supplies-in-a-bucket-3177257/ Supporting productsIt's not just the cleaning solution that will kill the mold that you need, but some other products too to help remove it. This includes cleaning products and protective gear:
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-wearing-protective-suit-4099468/ Picking the right product for the jobThis guide isn't always going to be 100% accurate because there are lots of different types of mold in the 'black', 'white', and 'green' broad categories we've talked about today. However, depending on the severity of the mold growth and type of mold, different products may be better suited to cleaning mold from the wood's surface. Small jobsFor small jobs, you can get away with using homemade solutions by filling up a spray bottle with a solution of your own. These solutions are best for smaller jobs because it's likely that you've caught the mold problem early before they have a chance to go deep into the wood. When you catch mold early, it's much easier to get rid of it with a spray bottle filled with warm water and distilled white vinegar. When you remove mold from wood in this way, it will treat the affected area and deal with the light mold swiftly. Larger jobsTo clean mold from wood when it's a larger job, homemade solutions may still help, but make sure you know the exact mold you're cleaning. Black mold, for example, will need more than a distilled vinegar solution and warm water in a spray bottle to clear it up. But we'll talk more about black mold in the 'Severe mold growth' section below. If there are large patches of white or green mold, then you may be able to use vodka, vinegar, or washing up liquid to remove it. Just make sure you look out for loose mold spores and ensure you clean them all up. Loose spores can grow again and you'll need to remove the mold from wood later down the line. When you clean mold, be thorough, to prevent mold from reappearing again. Severe mold sporesBlack mold remains the biggest threat as we've already established throughout today's post - to remove this mold from wood, you'll need to invest in the commercial mold removers we mentioned above. Again, be thorough, clearing up all loose spores. You'll need to wear protective gear, rubber gloves, and safety goggles etc., for all the cleaning methods above, but especially so when using commercial mold removers to clear up the affected area. Please note: if you're concerned about the severity of your black mold issue, or if you have white or green mold in unmanageable amounts, you may be able to contact professional cleaning services to deal with the problem for you. They will be trained to make the affected area mold free and also help prevent mold growing back again. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/satemkemet/4370813521 Cleaning up the moldNow we'll talk you through how to clean mold effectively. Step 1: choose the right methodFirst, look at the severity of the situation and, using our advice above, decide if you need to use homemade solutions or commercial mold killers. Step 2: protective gearWear safety goggles, gloves, and protective gear to cover yourself and your clothes completely, regardless of what type of mold you have or how big a job it is. Only a small amount of commercial grade mold killer on your skin could be enough to cause a reaction, and the same is true of the mold itself. So make sure you're well covered and you're able to breathe safely whilst cleaning the mold. Step 3: scrubbing the areaNow on to the actual cleaning. Whether it's homemade or commercial, the key is to only lightly spray the area with the cleaning solution. Leave it for 30 seconds or so before scrubbing. Take a soft bristled brush or a scrub pad and gently scrub the area in a circular motion. You have to be careful to prevent damage to the wood, so start gently and lightly and increase the pressure only if necessary. At this stage, you just want the colour of the mold to disappear. After it is clear, take a wet cloth and wipe down the area and allow to dry before moving on to the next stage. Please note: if you're using commercial mold cleaner, ensure you read the package instructions and follow it to the letter. Step 4: sanding the areaThe sanding process may seem dramatic, but you'll definitely need to sand down the area if the mold problem was particularly large or if there are any stains left behind. Here you can use an electric sander if the problem is large, or just sanding paper. Again, go slow and gently. You don't want to damage the wood. Once it's been sanded, you may need to repeat step 3 above to completely kill and remove the mold from the wood further into the wood. Step 5: clear upAfter you're happy, you'll need to be thorough with the cleanup, making sure all mold is completely gone, and anything that came into contact with the fungi is cleared up and properly disposed of. If not, anything with mold still on it can grow again and the problem will persist, so make sure you get everything from the wood chips from the sanding to the cloth you used to wipe the surface - every little thing must be disposed of. Step 6: preventing mold in the futureAnd finally, the most important section of today's post - preventing the mold from forming in the first place or coming back! The two things mold needs are moisture and humidity, so the key is to remove this from the area you plan on keeping the wooden furniture. Just make sure there is proper ventilation, clear vents nearby, or else just remember to open a window half an inch each day in the area to allow the room to breathe and moisture and humidity to leave. This will prevent any regrowth. Final takeawayHopefully, today's post has taught you that yes, mold can be dangerous to your furniture, but it can also be dangerous to you. With proper protective gear and the right cleaning mix though, you can easily fix any mold issue - from small to large - so long as you stick to the advice in this guide and on any commercial products you've purchased. Is mold on wood furniture dangerous? Find more on: HD365 from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/06/is-mold-on-wood-furniture-dangerous/ via Blogger Is mold on wood furniture dangerous? |
Company BioHomesdirect365 are an online only retailer specialising in antique French furniture, shabby chic furniture, mirrored furniture & french bedroom furniture available for all rooms of the home from bathroom vanity units to decorative mirrors to gorgeous bedroom sets. Archives
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