Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/31/2009

Question
I've been handed down my mothers cedar chest which is maybe 45-50 yrs old. It has an elaborate veneer front and plain sides. The top has been peeling off in the back of the lid and some pieces are missing. Also the wood seems very dry as I don't believe it's been polished for a long time.One leg wobbles and a rosette is loose. What should I do to bring it back to life?

Answer
Hi Karen
Nice to hear from you.
This particular repair job really cannot be accomplished by the home handy person.
Repairs to veneer damage like this need a pro although loose veneer can sometimes be glued back in place, you would have no way to replace the missing veneer.
The leg can be easily repaired.
It could be as simple as a dap of glue and the screws tightened.
The loose rosette needs some glue.
It sounds like the wood needs a good waxing and polish but its hard to comment on the finish without a picture.
Any chance of one?
Kind Regards
Eileen