Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/wood polish

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Expert: - 3/22/2009


Question
Hi,
Can you recommend any polishes for wood? How do I know what makes a good polish versus one that is not?

Thanks,
Heidi

Answer
Hi Heidi, I am a fan of oil based polishes that do NOT contain silicones or waxes, which build up and contaminate the finish, for modern furniture as a general rule. In any polish, wax, furniture cream, etc, the key is to apply evenly with "elbow grease" so as to liquefy any surface contaminants so they'll become suspended in the carrier, and then wipe off extremely well, and buff to a shine. Guardsman, Weimans, Old English, all have good spray polishes that fit the bill. It will usually say if it contains silicones and waxes fairly prominently on the product. The hard part is to not over apply.There's something psychological about having a can of "instant shine" that makes people want to apply it daily or weekly, which is exactly what the manufacturer wants you to do....so they can sell you another can....but not what's best for your furniture. For antiques, (around 80 years and older), paste wax would come into play, or possibly a drying oil product.(Danish oil, Tung oil) Remember also, that a finish in poor shape can't be transformed with a product designed for maintaining a finish that's in good shape...and polishing a dirty or smoky finish still leaves a shinier, dirty or smoky finish...if that makes sense....hope that helps a little- regards- Greg

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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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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