Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/18/2009

Question
We bought a china cabinet at a yard sale that had been sitting outside in the elements. Although it needs a very good cleaning, the sides which are veneer are very rough to the touch. The veneer hasnt lifted.. just rough. How do we go about cleaning and restoring this piece of furniture?

Answer
Hi Tina
Nice to hear from you.
First start with an overall cleaning if the piece is dirty as you say.
Use mineral spirits.
Use a fine steel wool pad as a scrubber. Pay particular attention to the rough sides with the steel wool. Dry as you go with clean rags.
The steel wool just might smooth these areas out fine.
Then a waxing.
I have encountered this roughness before on veneer that was not lifted. Its actually the finish that has crazed and moisture raises the grain of the veneer. Darn close to lifting the veneer so its good you have it out of the weather now. Never could figure out how folks could treat lovely old things like that.
Tina will you try this first and get back to me if its still not right?
Regards
Eileen