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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing old fiddleback maple tray

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Expert: - 5/31/2009


Question

Fiddleback Tray
Forty-five years ago a gentleman woodworker made a tray for my
mom out of his last piece of fiddleback maple. I would like to
refinish it and give it to my son and fiancée when they get
married in July. I haven't got the slightest idea how to
start. Please help.

Answer
Hi Cheryl
Nice to hear from you.
This has got to be the nicest tray I have seen. Quite lovely.
It does not need much in the way of a face lift.
A cleaning with mineral spirits and very fine steel wool.
Dip the wool in the spirits and use as a gentle scrubber.
This will remove 45 years of finger grime LOL.
Then all I would apply is a paste wax. In this case I would use a colored paste wax. This should cover the small scratches I see.
Then I would keep the tray..OK just joking. I hope the couple appreciate the gift.
Kind Regards
Eileen
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much! This is a great project for me, as I love learning something new. I'm sure my son and his wife will cherish this tray as I have.


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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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