Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a used solid wood cherry finish bureau.  I now notice that the outside edge (about 1" wide) on the top of the bureau has a faded look to it whereas the rest of the top to the dresser has a shiny finished appearance.  I was wondering what causes this and what I can do to correct it.

ANSWER: Hi Jan
Nice to hear from you.
Without seeing this damage I can only speculate what is happening.
Heres what I speculate LOL.
I think this faded edge on the dresser tells us that the piece while having a cherry type finish is not actually cherry wood.
I think this finish will be a colored lacquer or a dye stain finish done to resemble cherry.
What you describe is actually a common thing.
The color just wears off over the years on the edges.
If I had this piece I could remedy this in minutes with a can of colored lacquer.
This is the product
http://www.constantines.com/browseproducts/Behlen-Jet-Spray-Lacquers.HTML
As you see Jan it comes in many colors.
If you decide to get it please write back before you attempt the repair.
There are some specific directions for its use.
Kind Regards
Eileen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.  I bought the piece from an individual.  It was made in the late 80s, a solid piece with dove-tailed drawers and wood runners.  Overall it is very sturdy and in good shape other than this issue with the dresser top, so I'm a little surprised that the problem may be a cherry type finish vs cherry wood.  In any event, since I don't want to get into any stripping and refinishing, I would like to try a can of colored lacquer and would appreciate some specific directions for its use.  Also, is this product (or something similar) available in at Home Depot or Lowe's?  I would rather purchase it locally in case I need to return it because of a wrong color choice.  In fact, the Behlen-Jet-Spray color that is closest seems to be mahogany rather than cherry.  Thanks again for your help and expertise.

Answer
Hi again Jan
Once again Jan I can only speculate without seeing this piece.
This type of color variation from wear is just not seen on pieces that are not colored lacquer or dye stain...or if they are, I have not seen this.
However, I am in Ontario Canada and can tell you for certain this product is not available in stores over the counter here.
I must mail order mine.
I have been told that it is available over the counter in the USA, but you will have to inquire.
Color choice will be the hard part as you guessed.
So try an area that does not show before proceeding. The inside of a back leg is a good place.
First the area must be cleaned.
Do this by dipping a rag in some mineral spirits and wipe well.
If its only the edge you are spraying, mask off and cover other areas. Fairly easy job in this case.
Next take the piece to the garage or outdoors as this is bad stuff to breath in.
YOU MUST pick the right day to spray lacquer.
I use this rule.  I call it under and over LOL.
The humidity must be under 65 degrees and the temperature must be over 65 degrees to spray.
If you do not abide by this the finish will cloud..guaranteed.
Never never try to cover in one application.
This stuff runs bad.
So just one pass over the edge with the spray. Let it dry (only takes minutes), then another pass etc. till you get the desired coverage.
Make sure the can is well shook, and clean the nozzle after each pass as it will clog in seconds when not in use.
Also inquire in your area for a "colored spray lacquer".
Perhaps its sold by other names where you are.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen