AboutGreg 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.
Question I purchased a blonde 1940's bedroom set this weekend. The tops of the end tables and dresser are worn down with water spots, clear lacquer peeling and minor discoloration where the wood is exposed. Is there anything I can do to help restore these pieces back to their near original beauty? Thank you!
Answer Hi Joanne, it depends on the original finish, when you say "blonde", do you mean just a light very clear finish?...or do you mean a "toned" finish where the wood is partially obscured by a "champagne" or "wheat" colored lacquer. There was a finish referred to as "Heywood Wakefield" style, and it is the bane of refinishers, because it is a very difficult finish to reproduce accurately The company is still around, but even they do not offer the original "toned" lacquer finishes any more. They have changed their formulations and finishes over the years. Stripping and refinishing is the way to restore these, but it will depend on your level of knowledge and skill doing this type of work as to whether or not it's within your abilities. Some of this furniture was veneered on large flat surfaces, but most of it was solid wood, so the appropriate care must be taken when working with it. ( as in not sanding so much that you go through the veneers. Post back and let me know where I can help, and a little bit about you abilities......regards- Greg
Here's some reading about the finish I referred to....
