Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/12/2008

Question
I have an old tea cart with really nice Japanese decals on it but the finish is getting real bad, is there any way to refinish this table without removing the decals?

Answer
Hi Connie
Nice to hear from you.
There is no way to refinish and save the decals..thats a given.
But perhaps you can freshen the finish to make it look nicer.
Now keep in mind I am flying blind here as I have no idea what the finish is and if this cart has a very dak stain, medium or no stain at all, and I have no idea of the wood type.
I also have no idea if the decals are surface applied or applied under the finish.
You should be able to tell this by a close look. Use a magnifying glass if needed.
SO...LOL...if the table has a dark stain, get a small can of dark Minwax stain and wipe this on with a rag. Rub back well.
No, it will not hurt the decals if they are under the finish and the stain will not turn them dark.
If they are over the finish, keep the stain away from them as best you can.
The only thing the stain will do is cover any areas where the original has been rubbed off. This works on most wood but not all wood but no harm done in an attempt.
If the stain is medium, proceed same as for dark.
Let the stain dry well. Could take 48 hours.
Then apply with a rag a coat of low luster tung oil.
If there is no stain then go right to the tung oil being careful to avoid the decals if they are surface applied.
Always do a small test in a hidden area to see how a process will work.
Good Luck and great question.
Get back to me if you run into difficulty.
Its always best to "post a follow up" instead of a new letter as that way its easier to follow ...for both of us LOL.
Regards
Eileen