Expert: Greg Scholl - 11/18/2010

Question
QUESTION: Recently someone made a farm table for me out of reclaimed cherry. Though he did a great job on the construction, the finish is dull. I tried paste wax over the lacquer but it doesn't give me the sheen that I'd like to see. I read to remove the paste wax, I can use fine steel wool and mineral spirits. Would you agree. And is there a way I can prepare the finish and then apply tung oil?

ANSWER: Hi Dottie, are you sure he used lacquer? Wax can be removed with mineral spirits, clean rags, and 0000 steel wool,but if the surface is not smooth and free from gaps, seams, holes and defects, it can be difficult to remove it completely.... and since lacquer is a surface finish and seals the wood pores, trying to use a penetrating oil finish over it isn't recommended.You'll want to strip the table (not sand) to refinish it with a Tung oil finish (I like WaterLox). What look are you after?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, Greg, for your prompt reply.
He did tell me that he used lacquer because we discussed that in detail. We all know how sensitive lacquer is to work with. That's one of the reasons I don't like it. He said combined with the heat/humidity (we were on a time crunch) and a problem with his sprayer, it not only dried cloudy but left some "drips" as well. He was sincerely embarrassed and offered to redo the top but because I had rented a U-Haul and traveled a distance to pick up the table, I told him no problem... I'd redo it myself. (He really did a beautiful job with the old wood and considering what I had paid him, I was not that upset having to deal with the finish.)I sanded out the little "drips" before I waxed it. That was no problem. Still I was left with the "cloudy look".
Having said all of that, the look I am after is just a little sheen between a satin and low gloss-- definitely not high gloss. I have used Waterlox before and like it. That's why I was hoping there was some way to prepare the finish without stripping it and use that just to get a little shine, especially since the table is so large. It's 45" x 8'. Though I have stripped and or refinished a lot of furniture in my time, I hate the thought of having to do that to this "new" table. I was hoping there was an easier remedy. Rather than strip it all, since just the top is affected, I might have to resort to removing the wax (with your advice on how to do it) and sanding it a bit. Then have a professional painter that I know spray it with more lacquer. What do you think about that? --unless you have another suggestion.
Thanks so much for your time. I truly do appreciate it.
Best regards,
Dottie

ANSWER: This sounds like a fairly rustic design, and I'm not a big fan of lacquer on such a piece, even a tougher catalyzed lacquer...especially if this will be used frequently, not a "special occasion" table.....a Urethane or a modified Tung oil varnish like WaterLox "Original" is a better choice...and Waterlox, or an oil urethane.. will give old growth Cherry a fantastic color and depth...but you'll have to remove the lacquer and start with bare wood....a worthwhile endeavor in this case, in my opinion....Waterlox (anmber -Brown in color) or something like Generals Wipe on Gel Urethane (my fave and a lighter, "straw" like color), or Arm-R-Seal, are also extremely easy to apply by hand and get Pro results....unlike lacquer. They are also tougher and easier to repair.I think lacquer was the wrong choice, personally, so I'm for stripping it.....but that's just my humble opinion, and it's really not a huge job...regular lacquers strip easily...if it's a conversion or catalyzed product..it's a lot harder to strip....regards- Greg

http://www.waterlox.com/products-item/waterlox-original-penetrating-tung-oil-flo

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2007259/9890/SemiGloss-ArmRSeal-Quart.aspx

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005555/16557/Clear-Satin-Topcoat-Gel-Stain-Qua

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Greg. I'll probably never be happy unless I do strip the table and start over with Waterlox. It is a great product. Had it on my last dining table and the finish lasted through years of constant use.
Again, I appreciate your time.

Answer
And the other beautiful thing about Waterlox, is that it can be reapplied at any time to "freshen up" the finish by simply cleaning the surface and wiping on another thin coat...just be sure to allow 24hrs dry time at least before subjecting to heavy use.....longer if possible as it takes a week or more to fully cure...you can read more about that on the Waterlox website.......regards- Greg