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Question
Hi Greg, I have a Mahogany coffee table it is very large and very heavy and the top has become Patchy and raw with some cracks so I need to sand it down and start again If I could get it back to one even coat I can polish I would be very happy What do I need to do Please and what should I use. Thank You. Grandad Jordan.
Well it would depend on what finishes you have available, what was on the table top originally, and your skill level with finishing.......but sanding down the top is not advised, stripping with a chemical stripper is really the best way to prep such a surface. This will n ot only remove the finish completely, but any oils, dirt, grime, wax, etc., leaving you with a bare, clean wood surface with which to finish. Then you would need to determine whether the piece would need to be stained in order to match the base, and then several coats of a clear finish for depth, and durability...but I have no idea what products are available where you are...so I'm at a bit of a disadvantage.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank You so much I will follow your advice and strip the polish I,am glad you were available as I would have used sandpaper. | ||
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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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