Will Kirk has shared a game-changing hack for your ageing furniture (Image: BBC/Ricochet Ltd/Ruth Roxanne Board)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeFurniture restorer Will Kirk is a beloved member of the skilled team on BBC’s The Repair Shop, and has brought clients – and viewers – to tears when he works his magic to transform precious family antiques. He joined the show in 2017, and has worked on all nine series, including the special episode of The Repair Shop that featured a visit from King Charles and won a BAFTA. Here, he shares his game-changing hack for making your ageing furniture look brand new… “When something comes into my workshop or the BBC’s The Repair Shop, I have no idea where it has been, who has loved it and the stories it has seen. All tangible items have a history. Each mark, dent or knock is there because it has been used by someone and has been part of a family or place, and that is all part of its charm. Restoration inherently involves a lot of problem solving. No matter how simple an item is, there is always something new to learn. Often, deciding what to do to get the best results can be a challenge, but falling upon the correct technique and executing it is so rewarding. You can buy furniture cleaner, but making your own is cheaper and more fun. I use my own wooden furniture cleaner that can be used on all waxes and finishes, including French polish, which is a shellac finish and typically harder to clean.
Will works as a furniture restorer
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What you need Linseed oil White spirit Methylated spirits Glass jar Measuring cup How to make up the cleaner 1. Mix one part linseed oil to three parts white spirit and three parts methylated spirits. 2. Put the lid on your jar and shake into an emulsion for about 30 seconds, a bit like making a cocktail. It will have a white, creamy consistency, but as you use it, the different parts will separate quite quickly, so ensure you regularly shake it. I have picked out this selection of tools as the most hard-working and versatile items in my toolbox. Starting with the right tools will improve your experience and save time and money. These tools have not changed for centuries, though aspects like the materials and hand grip size vary. By using a tool, you will find out what is most comfortable for you. It is a bit like Harry Potter choosing a wand!
Will is a beloved member of The Repair Shop team
Measuring tools Rasps/ files Chisels Pliers Sharpening stone Planes Hammers and mallets Saws Screwdrivers Clamps Brushes I am amazed that I am doing something I love so much as my career, and looking back, it happened almost by chance. My grandfather was a furniture restorer, and I have memories of him painting a meticulous faux marble fireplace with a feather and heading off to his workshop at every opportunity.
Will shares all his best tips in his book, Restore
Will’s top takeaway tips Wear the right clothing Whenever you buy a new tool or piece of machinery, always read through the instructions and work out which protective clothing is appropriate, in order to stay safe whilst using it. Eye protection is a must, as is a mask for sanding. Heavy-duty and closed-toe footwear, such as steel-capped boots, will stop you from breaking a toe if you accidentally drop something. I also wear an apron so my clothes do not get mucky, and it has pockets in the front so I can carry my tape measure and pencil with me as I move around the workshop. Avoid loose or baggy clothing that could get snagged or tangled in your equipment, and tie long hair back. Keep your space clean and tidy Airflow in your workshop is really important, so keep any windows open. Do not leave items lying around; make sure your floor space is free from obstacles and trip hazards. Stay focused If you are tired, take regular breaks because it can be easy to lose focus or concentration Keep tools and bits sharp It is easy to underestimate their capability or power or misjudge what they are suitable for – do not learn the hard way. A sharp blade will make it safer to use by reducing the likelihood of kickback and will ensure the cleanest cut possible.” Restore by Will Kirk (BBC Books, £26) is available now Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHarry PotterThe Repair Shop
