Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Bubbling in Finish

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Expert: - 2/18/2010


Question
QUESTION: Mr. Scholl-

I have a light blonde wood dining table (which I purchased new) that was in storage for six years.

It now has some surface bubbling, I'm guessing caused by moisture, which has not penetrated the wood (just the finish).

I'd like to know what would be the best way to restore or repair the finish.

Thank you for your help.

Alan

ANSWER: Alan, are you sure it's just the finish...usually the finish won't bubble...but a veneer can bubble.....

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

QUESTION: Mr. Scholl - It's not actually bubbling, it's hard to describe ... there are many dull spots, which almost look like it was lightly sanded.

I can't remember what I had the table top wrapped in, but it seems to have dulled the finish in spotted areas.

I hope this better explains the problem.

Thank you.

Alan

Answer
Sometimes plasticizers in bubble wrap, or similar plastic/vinyl containing items can change a lacquer finish, and even damage it...it's possible that if the finish is in good shape, the marks could be buffed out with a rubbing compound, but it would need to be evaluated by someone with the skill and knowledge to know that...so I would call in a Pro to evaluate it with you..(perhaps a few). Post back if need be- regards- Greg

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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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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