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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Cleaning old maple chairs

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Expert: - 11/4/2009


Question
I just bought a drop leaf maple table and chairs.  The chairs are grimmy.  I mean the kind you can take your nails and scrap off.  I tried Murphy's soap and it also took the color off.  What should I do to clean them?

Answer
Hi Kathy
Nice to hear from you.
There is only one thing to use to remove this type of grime.
Seen it many times LOL.
Use mineral spirits. Called varsol in Canada.
Use a fine steel wool pad as a scrubber (dip the steel wool in the varsol).
Dry as you go with clean rags.
Then I would apply a coat of low sheen tung oil.
Your chairs will look like new.
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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