What Is Silicone Contamination?

And Why Does It Matter for Furniture Refinishing?

Silicone contamination is a common but tricky issue in furniture refinishing. Many common household products—like furniture polish, hand creams, and hair products—contain silicone. Over time, that silicone can transfer to wood surfaces, especially on furniture that sees daily use.

So why is that a problem? Because silicone is incredibly difficult to remove. Even trace amounts can cause major issues when applying a new finish. It tends to repel liquids (including stains and topcoats), which means it can cause uneven spots, fish-eye defects, or poor adhesion in a new finish—leaving behind imperfections even after careful prep work.

How Do We Handle Silicone Contamination?

Unfortunately, silicone contamination often isn’t visible until we begin the refinishing process. Once we detect it, we take extra steps to mitigate its effects—this can include deep cleaning, sealing, and in some cases, re-sanding and reapplying materials. While we do everything we can to produce a smooth, professional finish, silicone doesn’t always play nice. Some imperfections may still remain.

What You Can Expect

If we discover silicone contamination on your furniture during the refinishing process, we’ll notify you right away. We’ll discuss your options, any additional labor involved, and the potential impact on the final result.

In the meantime, one way to prevent future issues is to avoid using silicone-based polishes on wood furniture. Look for natural or silicone-free alternatives when cleaning or conditioning your pieces.

Silicone may be invisible, but its effects definitely aren’t. We’re here to guide you through it with transparency, care, and the best tools we’ve got.