I’ve heard about Howard Restor-A-Finish but never actually used it until this past weekend when I helped my friend Ingrid breathe some new life into a couple of tired antiques. The product isn’t widely available in Canada but Toronto’s Queen West Antique Centre (1605 Queen Street West, 416.588.2212) stocks the full range of shades from light pine-maple to dark oak and ebony.
Howard’s slogan is “Restore it, Don’t Strip it!” and I have to say I was very impressed with the product, up to a point. The rub-on, wipe-off liquid was fantastically good at hiding minor dings and scratches and even removed old paint smudges (above) with the help of some super-fine steel wool. Howard claims to remove heat and water marks but that depends on the severity of the damage to the finish. Ingrid’s dressing table, below, was too far gone, even for Howard. The nasty water mark was improved, no question, but stripping was really the only solution in this case.
Ingrid’s wounded kitchen table, below, perked up greatly although again, the damage was beyond Howard’s power to heal.
In the end, I’d say Howard does a pretty terrific job and for $11 CAD, it’s definitely worth it. He not only hid light blemishes but he renewed the overall look of both pieces. I would definitely use the product again.
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:37 pm
I used it on a mid-century side table that was in decent shape but in need of refreshing, and I thought it did a super job. Looks like you guys had the same good result, that after shot looks great.
They also make a protective product, Protect-a-Finish is the name maybe, that I used after the restorer and was also pleased with the result. It comes out like a really wet, loose paste wax. Wipe on, let sit, wipe off.
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:57 pm
I saw this at homesense and picked it up – I’ve been too intimidated to try it out though ;) Thanks for the guidance, I will have to give it a shot!
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Caution is advised using this or any other one step quick fix miracle cure, when thinking about using it on a very valuable piece with an original finish. Original finishes are to be saved and protected whenever possible to preserve historic and antique value, IF they are not too far gone. This product and others like it, will ALTER ORIGINAL FINISH. These products do things that make purists cringe. The magical ingredients are not always listed (trade secrets) but they almost always include one or more organic solvents (methyl hydrate, lacquer thinner, toulene, etc.) in a diluted form, that partially DISSOLVES ORIGINAL FINISH and a form of colourant (aniline dye, oil stain, etc.) that COLOURS ORIGINAL FINISH or where the finish is worn they COLOUR/ALTER THE ORIGINAL STAIN IN THE WOOD, under the finish. Sorry to sound alarmist, but just to repeat, if the piece is rare and valuable to begin with and has a decent finish that can be enhanced and protected with simple paste wax, if you alter the finish you will lower the overall value. That said, if the piece is so far gone or has just a basic commercial value as a user piece, then go for it because the quick fix can do exactly what Chris has shown here and the results give a nicer look. Finishing and refinishing is an art that needs to be studied, practiced, and understood, to make the right decisions.
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Gus, thanks for the words of caution, I thoroughly concur.
And David, thanks for the tip about Protect-A-Finish. I’ll be stripping and restoring my mid-century dresser soon and will be trying out some Lee Valley products I haven’t used before. Naturally, I’ll provide a full report here on styleNorth.
February 24th, 2011 at 9:38 am
I’ve used this product and the protect a finish they recommend. Agreed. For a piece you’re not willing to invest tons of hours to refinish because the wood isn’t great quality or you don’t think you’re going to love it over the long haul–Howard is the best. I’ve used it on a mid century sideboard that has a chunk of veneer torn out of it. Love the piece but the veneer is unfixable. Did a Howard treatment and carefully contrived arrangement on the top to hide the gash–and the transformation is amazing. Best piece in the room. I can’t believe the number of comments I get about the patina of the wood.
BTW, Chris I buy this at the Yorkdale Home Depot. They stock tons of it.
February 24th, 2011 at 11:00 am
Thanks for the Home Depot tip Lorena.
February 27th, 2011 at 6:03 am
I posted last week that I’ve had always purchased Howard’s Restore a Finish at Home Depot, Yorkdale. As fate would have it, I was browsing around Queen West Antique Centre yesterday and saw a display at the front of Howard products. A customer was commenting to the owner that she was having a difficult time finding the product. The store owner told her that in fact, Howards will become increasing difficult to find (Home Depot will discontinue) because the company doesn’t want to comply with Canada’s French labeling laws. Too bad as I’ve often found lots of products on line from smallish American manufacturers that simply can’t afford the dual labeling.
Anyways, wanted to share and not lead you astray after jumping in and saying that Home Depot stocks the stuff.
May 16th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
I’ve tried to find Howards Restor A Finish at the Home Depot near Yorkdale and the Markham Home Depot near 14th Ave and none have the product. I also tried Home Hardware on Hwy 7 near Markham Rd and they don’t either. Does anyone know where else I can try.
November 18th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
if youbare willing to make the trip the antique dealer below at st jabobs near kitchener on carries the product…
going there tomorrow to buy i have called and its in stock.
goodluck! address and number below.
Julia
Phone: 519-880-1944
Fax: 519-880-1947
805 King St. North, St. Jacobs ON N0B 2N0