Refinishing

Wood refinishing and period-accurate finishes

Mod Restoration specializes in wood refinishing for mid-century modern and Danish furniture - walnut shells, teak frames, rosewood veneers, beech and oak legs. In addition to clear and solid lacquers, stains, and natural finishes, we work with danish oil and pure tung oil for deep, penetrating finishes that let the grain breathe and preserve the warmth the original designers intended. Whether you're restoring a piece to factory spec or refreshing it with a new look, we dial in the sheen: matte for a raw Scandinavian understatement, satin for the balanced glow on most mid-century pieces, or gloss for a high-contrast lacquered finish.

Natural versus Stained

A personal preference
that speaks to you

Our goal is to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. We offer various sheens, including matte, satin, semi-gloss, high gloss or a super high gloss "polished" look.

Natural Wood

We sanded this rosewood Eames lounge chair and applied a clear lacquer with a satin finish for durability and authenticity

Ebony Stain

We applied an ebony stain which accentuates the beautiful wood grain and ivory leather that our client chose for the reupholstery we did

More about Eames

OUR PROCESS

From dull to extraordinary beauty

Assess the damage

Can you guess what happened here? The white paint from the walls came off.

Sand the wood

We sand the wood to its natural state and repair any missing veneer.

Refinish with care

We use 320–400 sand → apply 5–7 coats of semi-gloss clear lacquer → cure → use a 3000–4000 grit Abralon → finally, buff with microfiber cloth

Assemble the chair

Once the refinishing is done, we reassemble the wood panels, install all the cushions, screw in the arms, and deliver back to our client

Did you know...

Wood refinishing can add decades to a furniture's lifespan. The finish helps shield wood from moisture, UV exposure, and everyday wear.

Refinishing mid-century modern and Danish teak furniture requires a careful, hands-on process that honors the original craftsmanship of the piece. We begin by thoroughly assessing the wood - stripping away old finishes, built-up oils, and surface damage - before sanding with 320–400 grit sandpaper to reveal the wood's natural grain and tone. Teak and walnut, the most prized woods in mid-century Scandinavian design, respond beautifully to this process, re-emerging with the warm, rich character they had when first designed by makers like Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and their contemporaries. Once the surface is prepped, we apply multiple coats of finish - whether a clear satin lacquer to preserve the natural wood tone, a period-accurate Danish oil, or a custom stain - building depth and durability coat by coat. The result is a piece that doesn't just look restored, but is structurally protected and ready for decades more of use.