Master the techniques used to restore ageing and old furniture to resemble modern designs in this free online course.

Has your old furniture lost its charm because of fractures and stains? Learn everything about furniture restoration, from creating a suitable workspace to selecting the right piece of furniture and planning the restoration process to finishing the project. We describe how wood reacts to certain conditions and identify the types of wood used in manufacturing. We lay out the steps involved in sanding and stripping the wood and explain how to remove old finishing before applying a new one. We demonstrate how to repair damage such as gouges, dents, loose screws and more.

The course then outlines how to stain, varnish, wax and perform other finishing processes. We explore upholstery techniques and show you how to remove old upholstery and find the right material to replace it. We examine the tools required to work with leather as you prepare furniture for reupholstery. The course traces the differences between restoration, repairing and conservation of furniture before breaking down the process of restoring antique furniture, using a Marquetry table as an example.

Finally, we study the various techniques for restoring metals, glass, plastic and ceramic. We break down the safety precautions designed to minimise the risks associated with furniture restoration, such as fire hazards, electrical shock, high-intensity noise and others. This course has no prerequisites and opens doors to many career opportunities like furniture designer and upholstery service provider. Sign up to learn how to bring out the hidden beauty of old furniture as vintage meets modern via your newfound skills.