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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing wood veneer

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Expert: - 3/2/2009


Question
Hi Eileen,
I want to refinish the wood veneer top of a coffee table.  It has a parquet type pattern on top...which I would love to re-stain if possible.  One corner is worn and shows a cotton-like material coming thru. Can I sand and re-stain or would I be better off priming and painting.  It has beautiful wrought iron legs and I want to keep a rustic type look.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Connie
Nice to hear from you.
This cotton type material is what the parquet pieces were adhered to before they were applied to the table top.
I always like to try to fix furniture before even thinking about painting.
I leave the paint as a last resort LOL.
I would not sand the top.
Get an MC paint stripper (ask at the hardware), and strip all the finish off. You will only need a small can for this job.
Next, if there is any way you think a bit of wood filler would cover the worn area then try it.
If the wood filler is not an option then proceed to staining and a clear coat.
Great project
Kind Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

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.

Experience

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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