Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/8/2008

Question
I have a buffet and a china cabinet that have what looks like bubbled up or leather texture in places,it is very dark,almost A brown-black, but is a mahogany i believe.    the table that goes with it was in a fire and was totally refinished, which is now a beautiful medium dark brown. what to do about this finish, i hate to have to strip etc. these pieces are very ornate with lots of raised beaded wood and various raised ornamental designs. is there an EASY way to do this?  thank you for your help


Answer
Hi Gracia
Nice to hear from you.
I have often seen varnish finishes go in the manner you describe. And it does look like bubbled leather.
Gracia I'm sorry but there is just no easy fix for this. I wish there were.
The finish may be saved by a process called re-amalgamating but this is not a job for inexperienced hands.
The other way is a full strip and refinish.
The table has already been done and is lovely you say so possibly thats the way to go.
Big job I know.
Regards
Eileen