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Expert: - 2/9/2009


Question
bubbling on table top
bubbling on table top  
QUESTION: Hello,

We recently notice some bubbles on the top of a kitchen table.  We're unsure if the top has a veneer finish though.  I am suspecting it is since I noticed a seam running along the bubble surface.  The table was purchased from a discount furniture store last year and most likely made overseas.  Right now, we are combating the problem by placing a paper towel over the bubbled surface and weighting it down with several heavy books.  An image is attached for reference.  

Thank you,
Monica

ANSWER: Hi Monica, yes it looks like a thin veneer, did the table get wet? That bubbling looks indicative of a MDF substrate that will swell if gotten wet. If you push gently on the bubbles, is there an air space under them,(do they flex), or does it feel unyielding and hard?

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

QUESTION: Hello and thank you for your response.  When I do press down on the bubble area, there is a slight give.  It is a kitchen table so some water may have spilled and not have been promptly wiped up.  Can anything be done at this point?

Thanks!

Answer
It's possible that the seam could be cut with a razor and then glue forced under the bubbles and then clamped. A fixture has to be made to allow clamping the spot.....but a repair like this will likely lead to refinishing the top as well, and it's possible the substrate has swelled under neath which makes it near impossible to repair. This is not something I would recommend you try, I would call in a Pro to evaluate it with you. A good furniture restorer should be able to do this, and I would call a reputable Antique dealer in your area for a  recommendation. They will know who's good.Regards- Greg

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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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