Howard Products Restor-A-Finish review Walnut wood polish that restores color and luster

Description

A Simple and Effective Way to Restore Wood: Howard Products RF4016 Restor-A-Finish

I came across Howard Products RF4016 Restor-A-Finish in Walnut while trying to salvage an old oak cabinet that had seen better days. Its reputation for restoring wood finishes without stripping piqued my curiosity, and honestly, I was a little skeptical. Could a product really live up to such bold claims? After testing it on several pieces of furniture, I’ve got some thoughts—both good and not-so-good.

Design and Ease of Use

What stood out immediately was the simplicity of the wipe-on, wipe-off process. Unlike traditional refinishing methods, which often require sanding and stripping, this product works directly on the existing finish. I applied it to a scratched-up coffee table using a soft cloth, and within minutes, the scratches and blemishes blended seamlessly into the wood grain. The walnut tone matched beautifully with the darker furniture, which made me appreciate the fact that there are nine available colors for different wood finishes.

I didn’t need any fancy tools or protective gloves, which made the entire process feel less intimidating. However, the liquid consistency of the product made it a bit tricky to control at times. I’d recommend working cautiously near edges or spots where you don’t want the formula to seep into surrounding materials.

Performance and Results

I was genuinely impressed by how well this product removed white heat rings and watermarks from my dining table. Those stubborn marks that had been there for years? Completely gone. The formula seemed to penetrate deeply into the finish, restoring the original luster without a glossy or overly polished look, which I prefer for antique furniture.

The ability to blend out sun-faded areas and oxidation was another win, especially for a vintage dresser that had been sitting next to a window for years. It brought back the rich walnut tone that had faded over time. That said, while the product excelled on minor scratches and blemishes, it wasn’t a miracle worker for deeper gouges or areas where the wood itself was damaged.

Key Benefits

• Restores wood finishes without stripping or sanding, saving both time and effort.
• Removes white heat rings, sun fade, and watermarks effectively.
• Offers a variety of nine colors to match most wood tones, ensuring compatibility.

Drawbacks

While the product has many strengths, there are certain aspects that left room for improvement:

• The liquid consistency can be hard to control, especially on vertical surfaces.
• Doesn’t work well on deep scratches or gouges where the wood is exposed.
• The scent is quite strong, so ventilation is a must during use.

Favorable Aspects

The versatility of this product is worth noting. I used it on everything from a mid-century modern credenza to a wooden picture frame, and it delivered consistent results across the board. Its ability to preserve the original finish while restoring color and luster makes it a fantastic option for antique furniture owners. Also, the fact that it doesn’t require stripping means it’s far less messy than traditional refinishing methods.

Areas for Improvement

However, I’d love to see some refinements in future versions. The strong chemical smell is something that could be improved, as it lingered in the room for a while after application. Additionally, while the product does a great job on surface-level imperfections, it doesn’t entirely eliminate deeper damage or areas where the finish has completely worn off.

Competing Products

Compared to products like Minwax or Old English Scratch Cover, this one stands out for its ability to restore without removing the original finish. Minwax is great for building up a protective layer, but it often requires sanding beforehand. Old English, while effective for minor scratches, doesn’t have the same level of restoration power as this formula. However, both competitors are less pungent when it comes to odor. Howard Products RF4016 Restor-A-Finish excels at blending out imperfections, but I wouldn’t rely on it as a substitute for full refinishing in cases of severe damage.

Price Performance

As someone who has spent a small fortune on refinishing supplies in the past, I found this product to be a cost-effective solution. It offers an excellent balance between price and performance, especially when compared to hiring a professional or purchasing sanding tools and new finishes. The amount of furniture I was able to restore with just one 16-ounce bottle made it feel like a solid investment. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to revive your wood surfaces, this product is worth considering.

Overall, testing this product felt like a mix of experimentation and discovery. It may not be perfect, but its ability to restore wood finishes without stripping makes it a valuable addition to any DIYer’s toolkit. Just keep its limitations in mind, and you’ll likely find it as useful as I did.

Additional information