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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Restoring an antique vanity- veneer?

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Expert: - 4/21/2009


Question

Vanity
Hi Eileen :)

I'm am very interested in purchasing a vanity from the local antique mall but it does need some work. First off I'm unsure of the age of the vanity but it looks to be a "waterfall style" with some very ornate carvings and a beautiful mirror with etching. The top is not split or peeling but does have wear to it. I would love to restore this to it's original glory, I would also love to know more about it. The woman at the antique mall is asking $145 for it but offered to go down to $100- does it seem reasonable. If I were to purchase this what would you recommend doing and using to do the project- I would like to darken the piece if possible as well. I'm attaching a picture that I took. The feet are carved as well but it does not show in the picture, there are also small metal wheels to move it around.

Answer
Hi Julie
Nice to hear from you.
Julie this is certainly worth picking up if you can get it for 100 dollars. Because it needs work I would not go higher.
And only then if you can do the work yourself. I would not consider paying someone to do this.
It looks to me like this piece will stain darker after stripping.
But I really need a clearer picture of the wood and damage to advise beyond the usual stripping with an MC stripper then your stain and top coat.
But definitely worth 100.
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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