Restore something old to be new again
Clean, repair, and repaint an old wooden toy or picture frame using safe tools, sandpaper, glue, and paint to make it look new again.
Step-by-step guide to restore an old wooden toy or picture frame
How to make an old stuffed animal look new again
Step 1
Pick the wooden toy or picture frame you want to restore and put it on your workspace.
Step 2
Cover the work surface with newspaper or an old towel and arrange your materials within reach.
Step 3
Put on your safety gloves and dust mask before you begin.
Step 4
Use a soft cloth with a little mild soap and water to gently clean dirt and grime from the item.
Step 5
Dry the item completely with a clean soft cloth.
Step 6
Inspect the item carefully and mark any cracks loose joints or holes with a pencil.
Step 7
Sand the whole surface using medium then fine sandpaper until it feels smooth.
Step 8
Wipe all sanding dust away with a dry soft cloth.
Step 9
Apply a small amount of wood glue to any loose joints or cracks.
Step 10
Hold glued parts together and fasten them with rubber bands or small clamps until the glue dries.
Step 11
Press wood filler into any holes or deep dents and follow the filler directions to let it set.
Step 12
Sand the dried filler smooth and wipe away any dust with a clean cloth.
Step 13
Paint the item with thin even coats of acrylic paint and allow each coat to dry before adding another.
Step 14
Brush on a clear water-based sealant to protect your paint and let it dry fully.
Step 15
Share your finished restored creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I can’t find wood glue, wood filler, or a water-based sealant, what can I use instead?
Substitute wood glue with a strong PVA or carpenter’s white glue for securing loose joints in step 9, pack holes with epoxy putty or a sawdust-plus-glue mix instead of commercial wood filler in step 11, and replace the clear water-based sealant in step 13 with a non-yellowing craft varnish or polyurethane labeled safe for painted wood.
What should I do if paint keeps peeling or the repaired joints come apart after drying?
If paint peels or joints fail, repeat cleaning (step 4), make sure you fully sand from medium to fine (step 7) and wipe dust away (step 8), re-glue loose joints with enough glue and clamp longer (step 9–10), then apply thin paint coats (step 12) allowing complete drying between coats.
How can I adapt the steps for younger children or older kids who want more challenge?
For younger children, have them help with cleaning (step 4), drying (step 5), and painting with washable paints while an adult handles sanding, gluing, filler, and clamps, whereas older kids can do all sanding stages (step 7), use clamps for glued joints (step 10), try layered acrylic techniques (step 12), and apply the sealant themselves (step 13).
What are some ways to personalize or upgrade the restored item after finishing the main steps?
After sanding and before sealing, decorate with stencils or decoupage before applying acrylic paint in step 12, add new knobs or metal corner protectors after the sealant dries in step 13, and attach felt pads to the base for protection before sharing the finished creation on DIY.org.
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Facts about woodworking for kids
🖌️ Acrylic (water-based) paint is kid-friendly: it dries fast, has less smell, and cleans up with water.
🪚 Higher grit sandpaper numbers (like 220) make wood extra smooth without removing too much material.
🪵 Sanding with the wood grain helps stop scratches and gives a smooth finish.
🧪 Toys painted before 1978 might contain lead paint — always have an adult check before you sand.
🧼 Warm soapy water and a soft cloth can lift decades of dirt — but dry wood right away!
How do I restore an old wooden toy or picture frame with my child?
What materials do I need to clean, repair, and repaint a wooden toy or frame?
What ages is restoring a wooden toy or frame suitable for?
What safety tips and benefits should I know when restoring old wooden toys or frames with kids?
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