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Question
I recently purchased a cherry sleigh bed at an estate sale and the only visible flaw is on the footboard. It looks like someone put their fingers down on it while the stain was wet so there are several "fingerprints" where the stain is lighter. Is there a way to thin out the surrounding stain to cover this area? I've tried Old English spot cover, Orange Glo, etc. with no luck. You're help is appreciated.
Hi Laura, unfortunately there really isn't an easy way to do what you're suggesting, and usually this type of issue needs to be refinished away....meaning that the whole surface needs to be redone so as to be uniform. Unless you're quite experienced with finishes and finishing, I can't suggest this as a DIY project. I would get a Pro in to evaluate it with you, and see if the issue is under the finish or is the finish. They should offer this as a free service, and if you need a good recommendation, I would call a long standing, reputable Antique dealer. Reghrds- Greg
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Answers by Expert:
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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