Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/4/2008

Question
We purchased a 1963 danish modern (we think teak) cabinet on Ebay, and when it arrived, we were surprised by how red it appeared.  Other pieces we have from the same era are much more yellow or brown than this.  It has removable shelves and when we took them out, we also noticed there were lines along the back of the cabinet where the shelves were in a much more yellowish tone.   So, I am suspecting that someone may have rubbed it down with something that made it more of a cherry tone.  It appears to be an oil-based finish, not laquered.  

Any tips for returning it to its original color or at least toning down the red?

Answer
Hi Lisa
Nice to hear from you.
It would be great if we could change the color of wood by simply rubbing it with something but thats not the case.
What I think has happened here (and the lighter areas where the shelves are confirms this) is that the wood has darkened over the years of its life.
This happens with all wood but I find cherry wood really darkens the most. You were surprised at how red the cabinet was and this sounds like cherry to me. Funny enough, new cherry wood that has no stain applied to it can actually have this yellowish tone you describe behind the shelves .
But over the years, the color of cherry changes and darkens, but not where its protected (shelves for instance),thats the beauty of it.
Short of stripping the finish and applying a lighter stain (which won't work if this is cherry), the only suggestion I can offer is to try cleaning the piece.
Use mineral spirits (sold as varsol in Canada).
Use super fine steel wool dipped in the spirits as your scrubber.
Start on the interior where the light lines from the shelves are.
It will be apparent right away if this removes any color.
If the wood lightens at all, what you have removed is 45 years of the usual grime and smoke and who knows what, that furniture acquires. Some people call this patina LOL.
Follow the cleaning with a nice waxing and enjoy your lovely piece.
Good Luck and great question.
Regards
Eileen