Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Clean or Refinish

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Expert: - 4/2/2009


Question

What's this Gooey Buil
Hi Eileen,
I recently acquired a Taylor Jamestown Cherry Hutch, Drop Leaf Table and 4 Fiddleback Chairs. The wood itself is in great shape but the finish has alot of fingerprints in it making me think it was possibly refinished, but the original owners daughter says it wasn't. When I attempted to clean it with furniture polish I found that there is a orangey sticky residue which I have not been able to remove. Supposedly the only thing she used on it was lemon oil, could that have caused the fingerprints and the orange residue? I also wondered if maybe it was possibly nicotine from smokers. I plan on having it refinished in a few years, but what can I use now to clean it up? Also what type of finish would you suggest when I have it refinished?
Thank You,
Kathy Rice

Answer
Hi Kathy
Nice to hear from you.
Its very likely only the lemon oil that has caused the problem.
Its very easy to remedy this.
Use a rag dipped in mineral spirits to remove this sticky residue.
If the residue is really heavy use super fine steel wool dipped in the spirits. Work with the grain always and dry with a clean rag as you go.
You are going to be amazed at how this cleans your lovely set.
Then a nice waxing.
Kathy if you look after this set as well as the previous owner did you will never have to refinish it. Its in excellent condition.
Regards
Eileen

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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