Posted by Jim Sutter
Furniture, Cabinets and Millwork
When water or moisture meets wood furniture, cabinets and millwork, the results can be disastrous. Chicago-area homeowners know all it takes is a broken pipe, an overflowing bathtub, flood or even high humidity, to leave your wood furniture, cabinets and woodwork damaged. However, quick action to remove the moisture and seek professional help may prevent a total loss.
When water damage is extensive, finishes can only go so far to protect the wood. After finishes break down, moisture actually penetrates the wood, causing swelling, buckling, cracking or bowing. Surrounding joints and hardware also can suffer damage as well. In most cases, if the moisture isn’t removed immediately, the item will need professional restoration to return it to its original shape and finish.
JC Wood offers complete restoration of water damaged wood furniture, cabinets and millwork. Attention to detail at every step ensures the best results:
Step 1: Drying
Allow the wood to dry out gradually. Remove all drawers, doors and hardware on furniture. If drying furniture on your own avoid drying in the sun or with a fan, as this can cause further damage.
Step 2: Cleaning
Water-damaged wood should be cleaned and sanitized to remove dirt, grime, bacteria and mold. JC Wood uses non-toxic chemicals for cleaning.
Step 3: Repair
Water damaged wood furniture may require joints and veneers to be re-glued.
Step 4: Finishing
Finishing enhances the beauty of the wood and protects it. JC Wood uses environmentally friendly paints, stains and other treatments.
If you are unsure what can be done, call JC Wood to assess the damage and determine the best option. You will need to weigh the value of the woodwork or furniture vs. the cost of restoration. Consider that older woodwork may be difficult and expensive to replace, making restoration a good option.
Posted by Jim Sutter
Got Nicks? Quick Trade Show Furniture Fixes
Got nicks? Ruined finishes? Ripped upholstery? Broken furniture? After months of planning, it’s not what you want to see when you arrive to set up a trade show exhibit. But it does happen. Trade show furniture can take a beating from being moved and in and out of crates several times a year. Laminated surfaces get nicked and begin to peel. Wood pieces can be damaged by water or other liquids.
With an important trade show days away, the last thing you want to worry about is the furniture leaving a bad impression on potential customers. At JC Wood, we understand how frustrating this can be.
Furniture Repair from the Show Floor
When a trade show client recently faced this exact situation, JC Wood sprung into action, deploying a furniture repair technician to [insert convention center name] within hours. “Their problem became our problem,” said JC Wood owner Jim Sutter. JC Wood worked over the weekend to restore the pieces to like new condition. The client was very satisfied with the work, which was finished on time, avoiding a potential disaster for the company.
“Sometimes you just need a touch-up to get pieces trade show-ready,” said Sutter. “Other times a complete restoration is needed.” JC Wood specializes in matching existing finishes using custom mix stains, glazes and solid colors. “If you provide us with a sample, we will match it,”added Sutter.
On-site services, weekend hours and pick-up and delivery, make furniture repair an easy and affordable option for trade-show managers exhibiting in the Chicago area. JC Wood is fully licensed and insured. According to Sutter, many antique dealers, collectors, and museums have entrusted their valuable pieces to JC Wood for restoration. In addition, hundreds of designers, architects, contractors and major insurance companies also rely on JC Wood.
As an exhibit manager you have enough to worry about. Let JC Wood handle your trade show furniture repairs.
Posted by Jody Raines
Finishing wood is the stage that differentiates a beautiful piece of furniture or cabinetry from one that is not as attractive. Selecting unfinished wood then choosing a unique treatment can create a custom, one-of-a-kind heirloom.
There are many different types of stains and varnishes and finishes. Stain color can vary greatly, and much depends upon the type of wood, as well as how it was prepared to accept the color. To add complexity to the mix, there are also glazes and washes and complex staining processes that can create a unique look for finished cabinets or other wooden furniture.
Coloration of stained wood can vary depending upon the amount of time the stain is allowed to penetrate. A fast, thin swipe of color may be just the hint that you are seeking to slightly darken a clear coat. By contrast, a dark stain that appears deep ebony may actually be accomplished with the same stain applied differently.
Different varnishes and finishes can affect the color of the wood. For example, water-based polyurethane does not change the base color as much as oil-based poly, which creates a warm, amber tone. The same stain can take on very subtle differences of color and tone dependent up on the type of finish that is applied over. Adding a glaze or wash can create a patina or color that overlays the stained wood and creates a cool overtone or warm overtone. It all depends upon what the effect is that you want in the final piece.
Finishing kitchen cabinets depending on the type of wood can make a kitchen a warm and exciting environment.
It's important to understand how the wood will accept the stain. Harder types of wood may be less porous than softer woods. Some woods absorb stain unevenly causing dark blotches and irregular coloration. Birch, maple, pine and cherry are typical culprits for uneven wood stain coloration. Preparing wood properly to accept the stain is key to avoiding the dilemma of blotchy wood finish.
Posted by Jody Raines
Water damaged furniture, especially wood furniture, can be tricky to repair. Although most finishes will protect the wood furniture surface, it can still become damaged by water. Water damage is typically evident as white spots, stains, blushing or other discoloration of the wooden surface.
Furniture and trim with shellac or lacquer finish is not water or alcohol resistant. When glasses ‘sweat’ or have condensation, they can leave a ring or white spot on the wood finish. If polishing the surface does not remove these rings, it may be time to call in an expert to help. If you try using denatured alcohol, you can ruin the finish, and then it becomes a bigger project to repair.
Another quick trick some people to try is a home remedy of using cigarette ashes. Cigarette ash is an abrasive and the idea is to “polish” away the spot. Again, we have seen furniture that has been further damaged by this home remedy, so be skeptical when you consider trying something like this on a conference room table or dining room table, where the consequences of further damage may result in greater issues to repair.
Blushing is the term when a white haze is evident over a large portion or even the entire piece of furniture. Blushing is a discoloration that is caused by moisture and can also present as crazing or alligatoring. Bushing is a common problem with old shellac or lacquer finishes and the wood may need to be refinished. Again, if you have a fine piece of furniture, you should consult an expert to evaluate the damage. But don’t be discouraged, often these problems can be corrected.
When water has penetrated into the wood finish and actually entered the wood, you may notice black spots. With water damage like this, the entire piece of furniture may need to be stripped. Once the wood finish is removed, the surface can be bleached and then stained and finished to it’s original beauty.
A wood furniture finish repair may involve completely removing the original finish to repair any deep scratches, wood gouges, burns, black spots, blushing and will involve re-staining the wood. While it may seem that the damage is only in one spot, keep in mind that the spot must now blend with the rest of the wood of the furniture. In some cases, it’s difficult to preserve the finish which hasn’t been damaged in order to restore the area that has been damaged. A professional will evaluate your situation and determine the best method of repair. In most cases, the furniture will look better than it did when it was new.
When refinishing your furniture, it’s also a good opportunity to replace the upholstery with updated fabric. New fabrics are versatile and more stain resistant and there are many great options to update the look of your piece.
Posted by Jody Raines
Decorating trends for 2013 are already visible on today's showroom floors. When planning to redecorate your home or office, it's great to be aware of the newest features to avoid having your furnishings appear dated.
Whether you are decorating your home or furnishing an office, these trends are a great guideline to selecting the style, color and features that will show that you are trendy and stylish.
Top 10 Decorating Trends for 2013:
- More white. For walls, furniture, and accessories, white is the new... "white". Gone are the heavy, dark earthy colors and instead, color is more an accent. Using white will open the space and make the room feel more airy and calm.
- Sustainable materials. Using material that protects the environment or that is sustainable shows your awareness of the ecosystem. Whether it's utilzing grasses, like bamboo or reupholstering existing furniture, the idea is to conserve.
- Contemporary. The sleek and contemporary look is in, replacing more traditional or rustic design with flowing, contemporary lines and structure for furnishings. Using woods, such as maple, with its light natural finish will complement most environments and give that updated appeal to the room.
- Colors. You'll notice more of the lighter blues and navies cropping up. The crisp and cool palletes will add a note of calm to the overworked and overstressed consumer's environment. Blue is a color of trust and confidence and it's rise to importance is influenced by adding stability to the appearance of the decor.
- Earthy touches. In addition to the blues, colors like leather brown and muted olive are also important for the new year.
- Emphasis on Value. Value is a tricky concept. It has to do with buying or restoring those pieces that have significance. This is the year where consumers and businesses will save to invest in a significant piece, rather than have quantity of less expensive items. We recommend investing in pieces that you love, and refinishing them to match your environment for a unique, one-of-a-kind look for your room.
- Home features. Front and center, natural looking home features are prominent as we enter the new year. Touches like exposed beams or hardwood floors, exposed brick walls or stone flooring are very chic and in. The natural and rustic touches combined with contemporary furnishings creates an eclectic juxtaposition of elements that implies that this is today, and the style is now.
- Earthy, natural accents. Additional accent pieces borrowed from nature will complement the 'look' of the trendy decor. Notice items like seashells, stones or bamboo branches becoming prevalent as accent items.
- Botanical influence. In keeping with sustainable themes, botanical and flowers will be popular. The palette and designs are not flowery, but more neutral and botanically inspired.
- Tribal themes. In contrast to the botanical influence, the tribal look with it's bold geometric patterns is also quite popular. We are seeing a lot of black and white and bohemian influence taking center stage for the less timid and more eclectic decorators.
Whether you are comforable with following trends or are happier with the tried and true neutrals, refinishing furniture and updating the style of your room is easier than you think. Many existing pieces can be finished with updated colors or reupholstered to match a new theme. And restoring an older piece of furniture can be a great addition to your decor - it's unique, special and preserves the history of its place within your family.
Let us know how we can help with creating your dream environment.
Posted by Jody Raines
Furniture refinishing and reupholstering may seem to be an unusual idea for a holiday gift, but recently one of our customers shared the most heart warming story.
Read on if you'd like some inspiration for the best holiday gift idea!
Grandpa's favorite chair was showing it's age. We all missed Grandpa and had a terrific idea. Knowing that we could not replace the seat cushions by ourself, and since the chair had long since been moved to the basement, where it was dank and neglected, the chair really looked beyond repair.
Most of the old furniture had already been removed, but this old chair just had too many memories. We think the dog may have gotten to the cushions and it was looking very damaged, but since it was in the basement, no one had the heart to get rid of the chair.
We asked JC Wood whether the chair could be repaired? And much to our surprise, the answer was yes. The results were astounding and we were so excited to keep the surprise.
On Christmas morning we picked up Grandma and brought her to our house. When she came in, the chair was prominently displayed in it's newly updated glory. Tears in her eyes, Grandma could not believe what she was seeing.
"Is that Pop's Chair?". her voice trembled as she asked. I cannot remember any greater joy than that moment when she realized that we had resurrected a memory just for her. She walked over and touched the refinished wooden arms.
"I don't remember it looking this nice when it was new! Pop would have loved this..."
She now has the chair in her home, and sits in it often. She says it reminds her of Pop.
So furniture refinishing, which isn't normally considered as a holiday gift, was not only a wonderful choice, but it kept memories of holidays past and our beloved Pop as a cherished gift. It was certainly the best holiday gift idea we ever had! We couldn't bring back Pop, but we created a personalized gift that is priceless.
Do you have an old piece of furniture you just cannot part with because the memories are so dear? If you do, let us know. We are in the Chicago metro and if you'd like to create your own holiday treasure, we'd love to help!
What can be restored? Think of restoring a rocking chair, or reupholstering a sofa, refinishing a dining room table or refurbishing a favorite chair. Cherished gifts are those that show thoughtfulness, and you can't beat making something old into something new!
Posted by Jody Raines
Many people fear going to the dentist. Whether it's because they didn't brush their teeth, or the sound of the dental equipment in our mouth while we sit helplessly in the dental office chair, there is a lot of anxiety about going to the dentist.
Can the dental office furniture make a difference?
The importance of color on mood. There are certain colors that trigger anxiety and others that calm us. colors that are on the blue part of the spectrum actually have a calming effect on us. Colors that are warmer in nature, such as red and orange evoke a reaction of raising our attention level and increasing our heart rate. That's why STOP signs are red - they demand attention. Most SALE signs are also red.
A calming blue or green dental office environment can help to calm nervous patients. Soft muted patterns are also preferable over loud, raucus prints. For a dental office, the uniforms can also be selected to match the upholstery to provide an overall calm that soothes nervous patients.
Pediatric dentists may want to create a fun atmosphere to create the illusion that coming to the dentist is fun. Painting the walls with murals and placing a fun cartoon on the ceiling can help distract younger patients.
Another features that many dental offices are adding are videos. Using a calming scene that looks like an aquarium can create an environment that is peaceful. Be sure the fish in the scene are not pirahnas, or sharks, though!
If you already have a color scheme and you are contemplating a change, you may consider reupholstering dental waiting room furniture. To complement the decor, reupholstering the dental chair may also be an option. New fabrics that are germ resistant and stain resistant can update the look of a dental office and incorporate a new theme.
Most important is to be sure that medical office furniture is free of rips and tears or holes - these can be places where germs collect and in addition, can subconsiously suggest to your patients that the office is not updated and clean. If you've notices a decrease in patients coming back recently, you may want to take a hard look at your offices. Are they pleasant to wait in? What is the atmosphere you've created? Is the office soothing and yet welcoming?
Don't be afraid to experiment with color for the dental office furniture. And if you are in the Chicago area and would like some dental furniture reupholstery ideas, give us a call.
Posted by Jody Raines
Finishing wood and wood cabinets to achieve a specific color is a talent that years of practice have contributed to. The final color result of finished wood is influenced by several factors:
- The type of wood
- The porousness of the wood
- How long the stain is left
- The extent of processes like wiping after staining
Even testing a color on a sample may lead to a different result than the final process. In finishing cabinets, for example, there could be a difference in each of the doors that results in similar pieces appearing darker or lighter than each other, even when using the same or similar stain.
Mixing colors increases the range of available choices and also increases the opportunity for error. We’ve seen projects where the original mixture ran out, and the next batch that was mixed did not match exactly. This is a result of poor craftmanship that we’ve had to correct on many occasions.
With wood finishing projects, you may decide to have custom stained molding or wood furniture that matches or complements build-ins. Especially if the original piece that you are attempting to match has been in place for quite a while, it’s not always as simple to match it as buying the same color of stain. Over time, the stain could change in tone, dependent upon factors such as exposure to sunlight or tobacco smoke. It would be easiest to match colors if all wood absorbs stain the same, however new green wood will take stain much differently than old, porous wood will.
Matching hues is important, and dependent up on the color and hue of the wood in contrast to the color of the projected final project, it’s sometimes a bit of artistry and color wheel knowledge that can make the difference in having a piece that looks like it was artistically finished wood versus stained in haste.
Color can adhere to wood characteristics such as grain or burls or knots in ways that can be managed if you know how to apply color. When we finish wood cabinets, we always inspect first for machine marks, holes, insect burrows, dents or chipping. Unless these are intentional and by design, we correct these first before staining wood furniture. Understanding how the stain will be received by the materials used to repair wood is also part of the artistry in staining wood molding or custom staining doors or cabinets.
Posted by Jody Raines
With many older homes, and even some of the new homes, beautiful built in cabinets or kitchen cabinets can appear dated or worn, which gives the home a tired or outdated appearance. Cabinet refinishing is an excellent option to utilize the existing cabinets while cost effectively updating your home or office.
Especially in a competitive real estate market, where many homes are not moving quickly, the value of a beautiful kitchen or bathroom may make the difference in a buyer selecting one property over another. In a recent study, Zillow estimated that the value of a bathroom makeover would be over 100% recouped and the value of a minor kitchen makeover would be over 98% recouped! But even if you are not contemplating selling your home in the near future, cabinet refinishing can improve the look of your room and add value to your property.
When contemplating renovating a kitchen or bathroom, you have many options which include replacing cabinets, refacing cabinets or refinishing cabinets. Cabinet refinishing is an economic option because you are reutilizing the existing cabinets, and simply giving them a facelift.
When refinishing existing cabinetry, you have many options to modify the existing woodwork to update the style. For example, if your cabinets were very light, you can refinish them in a warm honey gold for a completely different feel and to add warmth to your room. If the cabinets were very dark, they can be lightened. Even adding new hardware and repairing drawers that were misaligned or squeeky hinges can add a sense that the wood cabinetry feels more solid.
Another option to cabinet refinishing is to consider molding. Decorative molding can enhance existing cabinets and can make the entire room look much improved. The molding can match the stain of the wood, or can be a constrasting color, such as black or white. Some kitchen trends we've seen have intentionally featured mixed woods to add interest. This can make an ordinary room quite extraordinary and unique, but it's not a choice for everyone!
Some of the finishes that have become more popular recently include adding a wash over a base stain. This makes newly refinished cabinets appear to be more dimensional. The recesses are darker and its almost like shading to highlight the raised areas of the grain. The beauty of the natural wood is enhanced and complimented by the deeper color where the overwash remains. Another treatment, equally as interesting is a light wash, which, when used over a darker wood, can lighten the room dramatically.
When selecting a stain for cabinet refinishing, keep in mind the purpose of the room, and the amount of usage it will get. For low cabinets in a kitchen, there could potentially be a lot of sticky fingers if you have children. Most wood finishes are washable, however a lighter finish may need to be cleaned more frequently than a dark one.
There are many cabinet refinishing options to select from, and they are as varied as people's personality.
Posted by Jody Raines
No one likes it when spills happen, and especially when they happen to an upholstered sofa or chair, the result can be devastating. Ugly stains make furniture look bad, and even the cleanest environment can be victim.
Cleaning upholstery can be tricky, especially with so many different fabrics and blends that can be easily destroyed or discolored when cleaning is done incorrectly.
There are three tips to cleaning upholstered furniture correctly:
- Observe cleaning code on label. Before attempting to clean an upholstered piece of furniture, check to see what the label says. Most manufacturers will have a label that is located inside a zippered area. The label should indicate whether the fabric can be cleaned with a water based cleaner or a solvent. Both or either should be used with care.
- Try cleaning in a secret spot. If you tried to clean the upholstery and wound up staining or fading the fabric, it could make the piece look worse. Always test a cleaning product in an area where it won't show. The back of a sofa or the bottom of a skirt make safe test zones.
- If all else fails, consider re-upholstering. Don't know enough about cleaning the stain, and want to keep that sofa? Reupholstery may be the solution when stubborn stained furniture can't be cleaned. Reupholstering sofa and chairs can create an entirely different look for furniture that you may have become tired of, and can give new life to a furniture set.
Cleaning upholstery can work in many cases. If you have an upholstery disaster, you may want to try fixing it yourself. When it come time to call in the experts, you may wind up saving a ton of money and avoiding a diy nightmare!