Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Old wooden chest

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Expert: - 11/14/2009


Question
Chest
Chest  
QUESTION: Hello, I have an old wooden chest, oak maybe I think, the top/lid has become very worn with ringmarks etc, the rest of the chest is still in good condition. Could you advise how I would go about restoring the top (whether to sand or not) and whether I would have to follow the same process for the entire chest? Many thanks

ANSWER: Hi Liam, can't tell the type of wood from the picture, but the top is pretty bad, I think you'll want to strip the top with some varnish remover, sand lightly after it's dry, and then refinish it with a wipe on urethane product, or maybe a Danish oil product like Watco. The urethane will be tougher and less prone to moisture damage, but not indestructible. Coasters are still a good idea for drinks.....hope that helps, if you want to post a closer picture, I could probably tell the wood type....Greg

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

Old Chest
Old Chest  
QUESTION: Thanks very much for replying Greg, I've tried a small patch with white spirit and wire wool and its cleaning up ok, I'll follow on with some fine sandpaper. I'll try the oil suggestion too, do I just apply it straight on and would boiled linseed oil be ok? I've tried attaching closer pic, can't see any knots on the wood anywhere. Coasters...I like the sound of. Kind regards, Liam.

Answer
I'm assuming "white spirits" is the same as what we call mineral spirits?? I'm guessing the top is shellac, or a wax on top of shellac...a little alcohol will make the old finish sticky if that's the case, and you could use alcohol and fine steel wool to remove it...in order for the new finish to go on evenly and properly, it really needs to come off, hence the suggestion to strip it....don't use Linseed oil, find a Danish oil finish, like Watco or similar, these have oils, resins, phenolics, and driers, and will dry hard after penetrating the wood,or a Tung oil finish, NOT pure Tung oil, like Waterlox (my fave). Allow 24 hours between coats, and apply at least 3 coats, following all directions and precautions on the product label. Hope that helps- Greg

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001007OJ4/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3/189-3781040-21

http://www.waterlox.com/

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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