RESTOR-A-FINISH (Howard Products)
With a simple wipe-on, wipe-off process, most finished wood surfaces that seem to need a complete refinishing job can be restored in a few minutes. White heat rings, and water marks, sun fade, smoke damage and most other blemishes can be quickly eliminated. Before you go to the extreme of stripping it, try restoring it.
Description
For almost 50 years, Howard's Restor-A-Finish has been a standard in the antique industry. Because Restor-A-Finish preserves and restores beauty to the original wood finish, it helps preserve the antiques’ authenticity and value, whereas stripping the finish may literally strip the piece of its value. Restor-A-Finish penetrates faded lacquer, shellac, and varnish finishes to bring back the original color and luster. It restores the depth of grain in wood finishes, going much deeper than temporary “scratch cover” products. Restor-A-Finish penetrates and permanently restores most wood finishes without removing any of the existing finish - this is why it is very popular for antiques. Restor-A-Finish maintains the original "patina" of an antique finish, maintaining its character and value as an antique. To protect the newly restored finish Feed-N-Wax is recommended as a follow-up to Restor-A-Finish.
How does it work?
Restor-A-Finish is a unique finish-penetrating formula that restores the original colour and luster to your finish while blending out the blemishes and minor scratches. Restor-A-Finish cleans the surface and restores the finish in one step - without removing any of the existing finish.
Restore It - Don't Strip It!
With a simple wipe-on, wipe-off process, most finished wood surfaces that seem to need a refinishing job can be completely restored in a few minutes. White heat rings and water marks, sun fade, oxidation, smoke damage, and most other blemishes can be quickly eliminated. Before you go to the extreme of stripping it, try restoring it!
Treat Scratches, Nicks, and Abrasions
Restor-A-Finish works best when applied with a small pad of toweling, or for severe white rings and crazing, with Super Fine(0000) steel wool. DO NOT pour directly on the finish. When using steel wool, always rub with the grain of the wood. First, determine the pressure you should use on an inconspicuous spot, as the hardness of finishes vary.
White Heat Rings and Water and Smoke Damage
Apply Restor-A-Finish (see above) with steel wool and rub hard enough with the grain of the wood to blend out the white effect. If high gloss finish should appear dull due to the use of steel wool, polish it out with a commercial polishing compound.
Revive Wood Finishes
Wipe on the appropriate colour of Restor-A-Finish with a clean cloth. Let it stand for a few minutes then wipe dry. Depending on your finish you may be able to darken the look by applying a darker colour of Restor-A-Finish and leaving it on for a few minutes longer before wiping dry.
Raised and Blistered Finishes
Apply Neutral Restor-A-Finish (to prevent darkening of wood beyond temporary "wet effect") with steel wool. As blisters soften press down while the Restor-A-Finish is applied. Wipe dry, and again later if the surface "blooms" with excess Restor-A-Finish.
Restore Minor Crazed or Checked Finishes
Apply Restor-A-Finish with Medium Grade(00) steel wool. Rub hard enough to smooth out the finish, periodically checking your progress. Checked or crazed surfaces may absorb an excess of Restor-A-Finish and "bloom out" requiring another wiping later.
Treat Carved Wood
Restor-A-Finish has saved many hours of labor by chemically cleaning and restoring the finish on carved portions of furniture and clocks. Simply apply Restor-A-Finish with a small paint brush or soft tooth brush and wipe off.
Tips
Be careful to protect fabric, carpets, and linoleum when applying Restor-A-Finish. It may leave a permanent stain. If spilling occurs, immediately scrub areas with straight liquid detergent or stain remover and wipe dry. Be sure to cover a small area at a time when applying Restor-A-Finish. Always wipe dry. DO NOT apply Restor-A-Finish to the new imitation wood finishes or use it under polyurethane finishes as a stain!
Directions:
Restor-A-Finish is a unique finish-penetrating formula that contains a small amount of stain combined with just the right amount of solvent and restoring oils, giving it the unique ability to penetrate and permanently restore most existing finishes without removing any of the existing finish.
Do not pour directly on finish. Always wipe off excess Restor-A-Finish. Choose the color that best matches the finish of your wood. Use either a soft cloth or "super fine" (0000) steel wool. Restor-A-Finish works best when you apply it with a soft cloth. For more severe finish damage like white heat-rings, water marks, light scratches apply with “super fine” (0000) steel wool. However, when using steel wool, first check pressure to be used on an inconspicuous spot because the hardness of finishes varies. Cover a small area at a time and immediately wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.
When using a soft cloth or steel wool, rub with light pressure but hard enough to blend away the damage. As you restore the finish be sure to periodically check your progress. Always rub with the grain of the wood. Some dry faded finishes will only require a quick wipe-on, wipe-off application and will quickly absorb Restor-A-Finish. Other finishes will require a little more work. Still other finishes may require leaving the Restor-A-Finish on longer so it can penetrate into the finish and restore color and depth of grain deep into the wood. All finishes are different, so testing first may be required. Always wipe off excess Restor-A-Finish.
For best results, wait at least 30 minutes and then apply a coat of Howard Feed-N-Wax to protect and maintain the newly restored finish. Then re-apply Feed-N-Wax as needed, or when the finish starts to look dry.
Treating carved woods: Restor-A-Finish has saved many hours of labor by quickly restoring color and depth of grain on carved wooden furniture, clocks and picture frames. Simply apply Restor-A-Finish with a small paintbrush or soft toothbrush and wipe dry.
** If a high gloss finish should appear dull due to the use of steel wool, polish it out with Restor-A-Shine Polishing Compound. Restore-A-Shine is perfect for the final step in restoring high gloss finishes by buffing away fine scratches only seen in the light. These super fine lines in the finish from a distance creating the look of “dullness” on high gloss finishes and can be easily buffed away with Restor-A-Shine Polishing Compound.
Precautions
First test Restor-A-Finish on a small inconspicuous area to check results, penetration into the finish, correct color, and if to use (0000) super fine steel wool or a soft cloth. Apply Restor-A-Finish to a small area at a time and always wipe dry. Be careful to protect fabric, carpets, or linoleum when applying Restor-A-Finish, as it may leave a permanent stain. If spilling does occur, immediately scrub area with soap and water or a stain remover and wipe dry.
Do not use polyurethane over Restor-A-Finish. Keep in mind that the purpose of Restor-A-Finish is to restore an existing finish. No need to put another finish on top, just Feed-N-Wax. Also, Restor-A-Finish may not be able to penetrate harder “plastic” finishes, imitation simulated wood finishes, or some hard polyurethane finishes. Not recommended for floors or exterior surfaces.
CAUTIONS: DANGER! FLAMMABLE. Contains petroleum distillates. Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Before using this product in the workplace, read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available online. This product is intended for occasional use only. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents may be harmful or fatal. Reports have associated repeated and prolonged occupational overexposure to solvents with permanent brain and nervous system damage.
VAPOR HARMFUL. Use with adequate ventilation. To avoid breathing vapors, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure a cross ventilation of fresh air through work area. If you experience eye watering, headaches or dizziness, increase fresh air or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH/MSHA approved) or leave the area. Avoid prolonged contact with skin. Close container after each use. Do not transfer contents to bottles or unlabeled containers.
FIRST AID: If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Call physician immediately.
EYE CONTACT: Immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes.
SKIN CONTACT: Wash with soap and water.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Shipping
Our warehouse is based in Nelson, New Zealand and all transactions are charged in New Zealand dollars. All shipping is charged at $NZD10 non rural and $NZD14 rural including GST for shipping anywhere within New Zealand excluding Great Barrier Island, Waiheke island, Chatham islands, d'Urville Island and Stewart Island.
All goods from a single order will be shipped together. If several orders have been made on the same day, by the same person, to the same delivery address, we will do our best to combine those orders into one shipment unless otherwise instructed.
Shipping is free of charge within New Zealand for all overs $450NZD excluding some Hikoki, Mafell, Tormek, Tanos, Metabo and Veto Pro Pac products. Free shipping is excluding Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, Chatham islands, d'Urville Island and Stewart Island.
Please contact us directly on sales@piranhatools.co.nz if you have any questions.