Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/refinishing mahogany

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Expert: - 2/11/2008


Question
I have 4 large mahogany chairs that are stained a dark cherry color. Can these be refinished to a lighter color?
Thsnks for the advise.
Mihele

Answer
Hi Micihele
Nice to hear from you.
Unfortunately with mahogany, the color you see is what it is, although the true dark color is often masked under an even darker finish or grime.
Having said that, mahogany is the nicest wood to refinish that there is IMHO.
And I know if you refinish your chairs you will be very pleased with the true color of the wood.
But turn a chair upside down and look at the wood underneath that has no finish on it.
Then spit on your finger and wet the wood.
That will be the color you will have when the chairs are refinished...bet you like it.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen  

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Eileen Cronk

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Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

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I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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