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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/cat spray or urine on wood

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Expert: - 5/14/2009


Question
While carpeting a bookcase was left outside and a cat either sprayed or peed on
the back.  It's a faux barrister type (solid back).  The veneer isn't as much a
worry as the bottom.  I fear it's soaked into that bottom board and will continue
to smell inviting.  Any suggestions?
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve, first I would recommend using an enzyme based stain/odor remover on the areas, a good pet store will have a few choices.Then you could seal the stain in with a few coats of shellac. I would use shellac because the alcohol base will further help to mask and break down the smell chemicals, and it dries quickly, allowing you to put a few coats on in a short time. Unfortunately, because the cat's smell senses are so strong as compared to ours, it's difficult to completely remove all traces, (they can smell "parts per billion"). Pay attention to end grain areas as well under the edge of the back. Hope that helps- Post back if need be- Regards- Greg

I can't vouch for the effectiveness of this product, but my Mom said it worked for her......do some investigating on the enzymatic products...


http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3523559

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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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