When to Refinish Vs. When to Replace

Not every scratch or stain warrants refinishing. Consider the scope of damage and whether refinishing makes sense.

Refinish If:

• The piece has sentimental or financial value
• Damage is cosmetic (scratches, stains, dull finish) not structural
• The wood is solid and the piece is still structurally sound
• You have access to tools and ventilation for refinishing

Consider Replacement If:

• The wood is warped or has structural damage
• Damage involves mold, rot, or pest damage
• The piece is very inexpensive and replacement is easy
• You don't have tools or ventilation for a proper refinishing job

Understanding Different Finishes

Common Sex Furniture Finishes

Sex furniture (like storage boxes and wooden crosses) typically uses one of these finishes:

Water-Based Polyurethane

Clear or satin finish that provides protection without darkening wood. Pros: easy cleanup, low VOC, fast drying. Cons: less durable than oil-based, can show water spots.

Oil-Based Polyurethane

Glossy or satin finish that brings out wood grain and provides durable protection. Pros: extremely durable, beautiful finish, resistant to water and stains. Cons: strong fumes, long drying time, requires mineral spirits cleanup.

Tung Oil or Wood Oil

Penetrating finish that soaks into wood rather than sitting on top. Pros: enhances natural wood beauty, non-toxic, easy application. Cons: less protective than polyurethane, requires reapplication over time, not water-resistant.

Stain Plus Polyurethane

Wood stain applied first (to add color), then polyurethane on top for protection. Common for darker finishes.

Removing the Old Finish

Sanding Method (Most Common)

1. Start coarse: Use 80-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish. Sand with the grain, using long strokes. This will take effort, the goal is to remove the finish completely.
2. Sand progressively finer: Move to 120-grit, then 150-grit, then 220-grit. Each finer grit smooths the scratches left by the coarser grit.
3. Sand with the grain: Always sand with the wood grain, not against it. Sanding against the grain creates visible scratches.
4. Clean thoroughly: Wipe away all sanding dust with a damp cloth. Wait for the wood to dry completely before applying new finish.

Chemical Stripper Method (For Thick Finishes)

If the finish is very thick or heavily stained, a chemical stripper can remove it. Follow the product instructions carefully, these products are caustic and require ventilation.

• Apply stripper thickly, let it sit as directed
• Scrape away loosened finish with a putty knife
• Sand any remaining finish
• Neutralize the stripper per product instructions
• Let dry completely before refinishing

Applying a New Finish

Choosing Your New Finish

You can apply the same finish type as before, or choose a different one. Consider:

• Durability: Oil-based polyurethane is most durable for heavily-used pieces
• Appearance: Oil-based brings out wood grain; water-based is more natural
• Ease: Water-based is easier to clean up and faster drying
• Smell: Water-based has minimal fumes; oil-based is strong

Application Process

1. Ventilation: Open windows and use a fan if applying oil-based finish. Fumes are strong.
2. First coat: Apply finish with a brush or cloth, following grain. Thin coats are better than thick coats.
3. Dry time: Water-based finishes dry in 2-4 hours; oil-based takes 8-24 hours. Check product instructions.
4. Light sanding: After the first coat dries, lightly sand with 220-grit paper to smooth any roughness. This helps the next coat bond.
5. Additional coats: Apply 2-3 coats total for durability. More coats = more protection.
6. Final cure time: Allow full curing time (usually 3-7 days) before using the furniture.

Applying Stain (Optional)

If you want to change the color, apply wood stain to the bare wood before polyurethane. Follow stain instructions for drying time, then apply polyurethane on top.

Refinishing a Sex Toy Storage Box

A Home in Bold sex toy storage box* is typically wood with a clear or stained polyurethane finish. If it gets scratched or stained:

For Minor Scratches

You don't need to refinish the entire box. Use a furniture repair marker or wood filler for very small scratches. For slightly larger scratches, sand that area lightly and apply touch-up finish.

For Larger Damage

Follow the full refinishing process: sand off old finish, clean, apply new finish in 2-3 coats. A storage box is small enough that refinishing is feasible for most people.

Maintaining the Interior

The interior of a storage box takes less abuse than the exterior. If the exterior needs refinishing but the interior is fine, you can refinish just the exterior sides and lid, leaving the interior as-is.