Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have an oak dining room set that has a black finish...I grew up with the set, so am guessing it is at least a 1940s grouping...I don't know if the black is a "finish" or just a build up of old wax...it is wearing off on the seats and edges of the table.  Is there any reason not to strip off the black stuff and refinish the oak pieces?

ANSWER: Hi Marlyn
Nice to hear from you.
No reason at all why this furniture cannot be refinished.
If however its as you suspect and this is only a big buildup of old wax and grime, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort simply by cleaning and waxing the pieces.
So first try this...
Get a quart tin of mineral spirits and a box of medium steel wool pads (not SOS pads).
Both of these come from the hardware store.
Pour some spirits in a plastic marg tub.
Dip the steel wool into the spirits and scrub the table.
Work with the grain where possible.
Keep lots of clean dry rags at hand and dry as you go.
When your clean rags no longer turn dirty, the piece is clean.
You are going to be amazed at the crud this will take off.
Follow the cleaning with a nice waxing.
If this does not suit, get back to me for my stripping info.
Great question
Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That's what I was hoping you'd say.  Just one question:  when you say, "nice waxing"...any recommendations?  Would Tung Oil be a good choice for this application?

Answer
Hi again Marlyn
Sorry I never got back to you last night but my internet was down due to storms.
While tung oil is a finish and not a wax, it would actually be my choice to apply it in this case.
I would apply a satin sheen tung oil.
There will be no need to wax over the oil and in fact its not recommended.
Regards
Eileen