Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/17/2008

Question
I have a set of drawers purchased from an antique dealer which he acquired in France. They are heavily stained, very dark brown (not paint) but it is possible to see some beautiful decoration, in green, on the front of the drawers. I have removed a little of the stain off the front with some white spirit and fine wire wool but there remain some dark marks.  The sides and the top are even more heavily stained and are resistant to white spirit.  Have you any suggestions please?

Answer
Hi Janet
Nice to hear from you.
The spirit will only clean any dirt off the chest.
If these dark marks are in the finish it will not remove them.
Only a full stripping with paint stripper will.
But before doing that you can try some denatured alcohol.
Try it in a hidden area first to see the result.
If this is a shellac finish, this will remove it so don't be too agressive. Just try to remove a bit of it. Be careful.
If this is a varnish finish the alcohol will not hurt it and the only route is the paint stripper and refinishing.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen