AboutEileen 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.
Question QUESTION: I purchased a wine barrel and am thinking of buying a 42 or 48 inch round piece of glass to place on top of it to make a bar table for an OUTDOOR patio. The barrel is in pretty good shape, never been outside, used only for wine making, but/and has a few water or wine marks. I was thinking about dressing it up a bit by oiling it and also thought oil might help keep it nicer looking as it will occasionally get wet in the summer rains. What would you recommend or should I leave well enough alone?
ANSWER: Hi David
Nice to hear from you.
I go along with your thinking about some protection for the barrels.
Wood needs to be protected from the elements when its outside.
Nothing at all wrong with your oil idea as long as the barrels are put away for the off months and a fresh coat of oil added each year.
They'll just keep getting better.
Tung oil is very easy to apply. Just wipe on liberally with a rag. Takes only minutes and the leftover oil in the can will keep for the next season.
Great Question
Eileen
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your initial reply. I mentioned that the barrel had a few water or wine marks. Do you believe oiling the barrrel would make these marks "more" unsightly, perhaps turn black?
Answer Hi again David
If the marks are not black now they will not turn black with an application of oil.
I would however try to get as much of the stain out as possible.
Personally I would try bleaching.
David this is a unique idea and I feel you will want your barrels to look great so please read this bleaching info
Now that you have read the article, you may want to try the "deck brightener" as your first attempt to remove the stains.
Its readily available.
Keep me posted
Eileen
