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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/resurfacing mdf furniture

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Expert: - 4/17/2009


Question
Good day Greg,

I have a bedroom suite from Ashley furniture that is 15
years old.  In a few places, from years of moving around or
just being scuffed, the finish is removed.  I believe that
this finish was applied like a silk screen or something of
the like.  I would like to repair it but I don't know quite
what to do.  Do you have any ideas?

Thank you,

Tia

Answer
Hi Tia, this type of furniture is usually finished with a multi step, sprayed, toned finish that's capable of camouflaging the inferior material underneath. Because of that, it's really impossible to touch up and make invisible repairs without knowledge and experience with this type of finish. Anything more than something that could be touched up with a furniture touch up marker, would probably best be handled by a Pro furniture restorer.  Many will offer touch up services in your home, but I would be leary of that because of the lacquer work that will need to be done to blend any repaired and recolored areas. All should offer a free estimate, and that process should tell you alot about their recommendations and processes they will use. Hope that helps a little, post back if need be- regards- Greg

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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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