Expert: Greg Scholl - 12/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Greg, I found a response you made a few months ago to someone regarding blonde furniture.  I have some similar pieces so I’m writing to you for some specifics on what I should do to repair my furniture.  I have several pieces of three different sets of bedroom furniture I inherited from my dad from the 1940’s and 1950’s.  All of the pieces are blonde (wheat colored) and a few pieces have a veneer finish.  The 1940’s set does not seem to have a name (that I can find) and it is wheat colored lacquer shinny finish like the “Heywood Wakefield style”. I also have a set that is by Kent Coffey and it is made of oak with a veneer layered finish. All of the pieces in are in pretty good shape and well built so I want to keep them and use them in my home.  However, they were used, stored for awhile and have some water spots.  I got an estimate to have 5 pieces finished by an expert and he wanted close to $1700 – I can’t afford this amount and it would be more costly than the furniture is worth.  So, my question is how can I repair this myself?  It is dusty so can I wipe it down with a lightly damp sponge?  Do I then sand it a bit? If so what type of sand paper should I use to not ruin the veneer?  Also, do I lacquer it or just put on a good type of linseed oil or furniture wax when I’m done?  I read if the veneer is coming off that by applying an iron over a paper bag can help.  Is this true?  One more question.  One of the pieces is a chifferobe and the top has warped.  How do I reattach the top?  It appears to be glued all around so glue the warped section?  Thanks!  Sherry

ANSWER: Hi Sherry, these "wheat" or "champagne" finishes are the most difficult to repair and/or recreate, you can wash the furniture with some mineral spirits and dry with clean rags as you go. Don't sand at all, as you'll easily go through the lacquer and ruin it. These finishes are actually sprayed on colored lacquers, and they're exceptionally thin as well. You can use a satin lacquer over such a finish in good shape to restore it, but unless you're familiar with the techniques and materials I would not advise you to do so......don't apply Linseed oil to anything anymore, especially on top of a lacquer finish, it's considered "old school" by todays standards, and will darken and breakdown with age.Without seeing these pieces, it's hard for me to advise you, but if they're in generally good shape after the cleaning, just a good paste wax may be enough. Ironing on veneer is also something that can very quickly ruin a finish, it's better to glue the veneer back down with the appropriate glue and clamps...a warped piece may or may not be able to be repaired, but that also is the type of work that should only be done by an experienced Pro...this type of restoration is not easy, and not for the novice, and generally speaking, shouldn't be done by an inexperienced person...it's just too easy to ruin the finish, or the whole piece.....as you can judge by the estimate you received, it takes a lot of work, and an experienced, knowledgeable approach to restore such pieces, one reason these finishes fell out of favor....hope that helps a little- post back if need be- Greg

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QUESTION: Thank you for your information!  Exceptional feed back and this was very helpful.  Just one more question.  It sounds like what I do as a DIY fix is temporary and if I want a really nice finish for the future I will need an expert.  I was not keen on the local company I found who gave me the quote because I was not sold on their expertise.  How can I seek out an expert in my area?  Is there a directory for furniture professionals who repair furniture?  The yellow pages and/or Internet are of little help, but I have to think there has to be someone in the Los Angeles area. Thanks again!

Answer
This type of finish is especially hard to replicate or even restore, so you'll need to find someone who's really good..there is a Professional refinishers Group on the internet, I used to be a member, but the dues got too expensive for me, and it just became a "peeing match" a lot of the time...if you know what I mean, but they represent the best of the best as a group in most cases. I see many CA members listed, but I really have no recommendation on a particular member....be sure to inquire with the "Heywood Wakefield" finish especially, as there was,(and likely still is)much discussion about these finishes in our realms. Hope that helps, and i would be interested in your experience.....regards- Greg

http://www.alan.net/prgdirectory/index.html