Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/4/2009

Question
Our antique table with floral wood inlays looks dried out. Veneer is buckling or gone in some places. We have only seldom used regular furniture polish, since we don't know which kind to use. What can be done?

Answer
Hi Jess
Nice to hear from you.
Oh my gosh this is bad.
Before anything is done the veneer must be repaired.
This is a must. Do not even wax before the repairs are made.
Next if this was my table I would refinish the top.
Then I would use a good quality paste wax twice a year.
Bri-wax is such a wax but there are others.
Jess if this table means a lot to you get a pro to fix it.
Then keep it out of direct sun, away from heat sources and try to control the humidity in your home.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen

Hi again Jess
Can't for the life of me figure why you gave me a 4 score.
You clearly asked "what could be done?".
I thought my answer was very clear and knowledgable.
Please understand veneer is not something for unskilled people to mess around with. And most especially not an antique such as yours.
Please write any time.
Kind Regards
Eileen