The key was to develop a formula that could clean and polish the surface, penetrate the finish with stain, and leave the original finish intact. For over 40 years, Howard's Restor-A-Finish has been a standard in the antique industry.
Does a great job, but some damage is beyond its scope.
I rated this product 4 stars because it is very good (much better than okay) but not better than expected. I expected it to work and it did,but it did not do as much as I had hoped. I had hoped it would make scratch marks disappear. It made them hard to see. I thought it might make a blemish disappear. It made it harder to see. I thought it might make the abrasive marks from someone trying to get rid of the blemish disappear. It made them harder to see. I think it made the entire surface look better, but it also made the finish almost semi-gloss. This is glossier than the finish was originally. I like it, but it definitely means that a whole surface needs to be done. The difference in gloss would show up as a finishing error if a spot repair is attempted.
I had a friend who is an antique dealer tell me about Howard’s Restor. I purchased an old late 1800’s dresser and didn’t want to devalue the antique properties of the piece but also wanted to improve the finish. Restor A Finish is perfect for taking out old water marks, scratches,and just unifying the surface of furniture without stripping and sanding.You just use a piece of fine steel wool and work the Restor into the wood. It comes in different tints such as neutral, oak, mahogany, etc.,so I recommend purchasing one of every wood tone to use on various types of wood that you will be refinishing. If you just have one piece, try the tint that matches the closest to your wood. I actually used the neutral on the 1800’s cherry dresser and it worked wonderfully! I would also recommend following the Restor process with Howard’s Feed and Wax. It is the “best” way to polish and add oils back into the wood. It also is great to use to polish antique furniture. I love the Howard’s products and can’t say enough about them. 😀Read the full text of the product evaluation
Different refinishing action than Formby's Refinisher.
Years ago I used formby's refinisher and got good results. In seeking to buy Formby's I found this product. After using on a piano with drink rings and worn thin pecan finish I can say I wish I had bought the Formby's. That said, this did improve the look of the finish and got the cheap piano ready for sale. It does not melt and re-distribute the finish like Formby's does. RF1016 seems to replace oils, thereby "glossing over" chipped, scratched or worn finish areas. I'm sure in a week 1016's effect would diminish if not topcoated with the feed n wax or other wax or oil.I prefer the formby approach, but this did improve the look, and the piano sold.
Worked great on cloudy water marks on the first application. Did another great job on remainder of chair(s) surfaces to give them a "new " look. Very impressed with this product
This product worked well on my very experience Restoration Hardware dining table where alcohol spilled and created a white spot, and Restored my Pottery Barn coffee table like new +++++But on my Pier1 in kitchen counter top table, where there are white heat rings and spots, not at all.
